We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Montelukast?

By Jacquelyn Gilchrist
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,765
References
Share

Montelukast is a medication prescribed to treat symptoms of asthma, such as wheezing, coughing, and problems breathing, as well as tightness in the chest. This medicine, called a leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) works by relieving inflammation in the airways and interfering with leukotrienes that can cause asthma. A doctor will typically prescribe montelukast for use before and during physical activity to help lessen the need for a fast-acting asthma medication.

Patients can take montelukast in the form of granules, chewable tablets, and regular tablets. The granules should either be swallowed all at once or mixed into ice cream or applesauce and swallowed within 15 minutes. They are not intended to be mixed with any other food or drink.

The chewable and regular tablets may be taken with or without food. Patients may be instructed to take a dose each evening. Those using it to prevent an asthma attack during exercise should take it two hours prior to physical activity. These two dosing methods should not be combined; that is, those taking a regular evening dose may not take an additional dose before exercising.

Some side effects may occur with the use of montelukast for asthma symptoms, which should be reported to the prescribing physician if they become severe. Patients may experience stomach pain or heartburn. Others have reported dizziness or fatigue, along with headaches.

More serious side effects from this asthma medication require immediate medical care. These may rarely include painful and swollen sinuses, swelling of the face, throat, or extremities, or flu-like symptoms, which may include chills and a fever. Other serious side effects may include problems breathing or swallowing, hoarseness, or numbness and prickling sensations in the legs or arms. Some patients have reported hallucinations, anxiety, or trouble sleeping, along with abnormal dreams. Rarely, sleepwalking, suicidal thoughts, or muscle weakness have occurred.

Before taking montelukast for preventing asthma symptoms, patients must disclose their other medical conditions. Women who are pregnant should exercise caution when considering this drug. As of 2011, it is unknown whether it may pass into breast milk and harm a nursing infant. This medication is contraindicated for use by those with liver disease or phenylketonuria, because it may contain aspartame.

Montelukast may interact with other medications and supplements. These can include rifampin and phenobarbital. Patients should disclose all other drugs they are taking, including aspirin, which may potentially worsen asthma symptoms.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-montelukast.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.