Montelukast
(Montelukast)Montelukast Overview
Montelukast is used to control and prevent symptoms caused by asthma (such as wheezing and shortness of breath). It is also used before exercise to prevent breathing problems during exercise (bronchospasm). Montelukast can help decrease the number of times you need to use your quick relief inhaler. Montelukast is also used to relieve symptoms of hay fever and allergic rhinitis (such as sneezing, stuffy/runny/itchy nose). Since there are other allergy medications that may be safer (, Montelukast should be used for this condition only when you cannot take other allergy medications or they do not work well. Montelukast must be used regularly to be effective. It does not work right away and should not be used to relieve sudden asthma attacks or breathing problems. If an asthma attack or sudden shortness of breath occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed. Montelukast works by blocking certain natural substances (leukotrienes) that may cause or worsen asthma and allergies. It helps make breathing easier by reducing swelling (inflammation) in the airways.
Montelukast Warnings
Montelukast may rarely cause serious mental/mood changes. These effects may occur even after the medication has been stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you or a caregiver/family member notice symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, abnormal dreams, depression, memory/attention problems, hallucinations, trouble sleeping, or changes in behavior (such as aggression, hostility, restlessness, sleepwalking, suicidal thoughts/attempts). Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of Montelukast.
How to Use Montelukast
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking montelukast and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take Montelukast by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. The Dosage of Montelukast is based on your age and medical condition. If you are using the chewable tablets, chew them thoroughly before swallowing. If your child cannot safely chew and swallow them, consult the doctor or pharmacist for advice. Take Montelukast at the same time each day. If you are taking Montelukast for asthma or for both asthma and allergies, take your dose in the evening. If you are taking montelukast to prevent only allergies, take your dose either in the morning or the evening. If you are taking Montelukast to prevent breathing problems during exercise, take your dose at least 2 hours before exercise. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours. Do not take a dose before exercise if you are already taking Montelukast daily for asthma or allergies. Doing so may increase the risk of side effects. Do not increase or decrease your dose or stop using Montelukast without consulting your doctor. Continue to use Montelukast regularly to keep your asthma under control, even during sudden asthma attacks or periods when you have no asthma symptoms. Continue to also take other medications for asthma as directed by your doctor. Montelukast works over time and is not meant to relieve sudden attacks of asthma. If an asthma attack or other breathing problem occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed. You should always have a quick-relief inhaler with you. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Get medical help right away if your asthma symptoms worsen and your quick-relief inhaler is not helping. Tell your doctor promptly if asthma symptoms, breathing problems, allergy symptoms, number of times you use your rescue inhaler last or get worse.
Montelukast Precautions
Before taking montelukast, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Montelukast may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Montelukast, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,liver disease, mental/mood problems (such as anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). The chewable tablets may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid aspartame (or phenylalanine) in your diet, ask your doctor or pharmacist about using Montelukast safely. During pregnancy, Montelukast should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Montelukast passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Montelukast Misdose
If you miss a dose of Montelukast, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up. Do not take more than 1 dose in 24 hours.
Montelukast Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Montelukast Side Effects
Remember that Montelukast has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Montelukast do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects,numbness/tingling/shooting pain in the arms or legs, sinus pain/swelling, muscle weakness, uncontrolled muscle movements, stuttering. A very serious allergic reaction to Montelukast is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction,rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Montelukast Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Montelukast when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
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