Montelukast

Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that is mostly recommended by doctors for the:

1. Prevent and control symptoms of asthma such as:

• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Coughing

2. Relieve hay fever and allergic rhinitis symptoms such as:

• Sneezing
• Runny, itchy, or stuffy nose

3. Prevention of breathing problems during exercise in adults and children 6 years of age and older.

Montelukast works by blocking certain natural substances that might cause or worsen allergies or asthma. It helps make breathing easier by decreasing the swelling or inflammation in the airways. Montelukast helps prevent an asthma attack and long-term treatment of asthma in adults and children 12 months and older. Montelukast was first approved in 1998 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because of its efficacy in decreasing the times you need to use your quick-relief inhaler.

When and How to Use Montelukast

Before you start the treatment, read carefully the manufacturer’s printed information. It will give you more information about Montelukast. Take this medicine once each day, in the evening.

• For adults, the dose is one 10 mg tablet.
• If Montelukast is prescribed for your child, the dose will depend on their age; 4 mg for children aged from 6 months to 5 years and 5 mg for children aged from 6 years to 14 years.
• The adult tablet, 10 mg can be swallowed with a glass of water and each dose can be taken either before or after food.

Keep in mind that you need to take Montelukast regularly each day, even if your asthma is well controlled. Try not to miss any of your doses but if you do forget, just take your following dose when it is due. You should not take two doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten dose.

Possible Side Effects of Montelukast 

Common side effects include:

• Headache
• Fever
• Dryness of soreness of the throat
• Difficulty in breathing
• Cough
• Body aches or pain
• Stomach pain
• Trouble on swallowing
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Acid or sour stomach
• Stomach discomfort
• Skin discomfort
• Pain
• Lack or loss of strength
• Dental pain
• Blurred vision

Serious side effects include:

• Swollen joints
• Muscle cramping
• Increased tendency to bleed
• Loss of strength
• Shaking or trembling
• Lack of appetite
• Breathing problems
• Agitation
• Anxiety

What Should I Know Before Taking Montelukast

Before taking Montelukast, tell your doctor;

• If you are allergic to this prescription or any other medications
• About what prescription and non-prescription medications, nutritional supplements, or vitamins you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor your more carefully for side effects.
• If you ever had liver disease
• If you a history of mental or mood problems

Also, this medicine should be used in pregnant and breastfeeding women only when needed especially if you have an attack. Use only the desired amount given by your doctor. If in doubt, call your healthcare team for your right dose. Discuss as well the risk and benefits if in case you need to use this prescription.

Getting the Best Result from Montelukast

• Montelukast will not give you instant relief if you are having an asthma attack. Your doctor will recommend a reliever inhaler for you to use if this happens. Be sure that you keep it with you all along in case you need to use it.
• Try to keep your schedule with your doctor regularly. This is to let your doctor check on your progress or your child as well.
• If symptoms persist, or that you need to use the reliever inhaler more often than usual, contact your doctor right away for advice.
• Check with a pharmacist if you buy any medicines that are appropriate for you to take. Some aspirin and anti-inflammatory painkillers can make asthma symptoms worse in some people.
• Do not smoke. Smoking causes severe irritation and damage to the lungs. It will make your condition worse and will reduce the beneficial effects of your medication.
• Drug interactions might change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. You must keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your pharmacist and doctor. Don’t stop, start, or change the dosage of any medicines without the approval of your doctor. It is very crucial to have the consent of your doctor so that your condition will not get worse or you don’t develop any other complications.