Montelukast - Medication Detail

Medication Type:  Long Term Control; should be taken every evening as prescribed

Generic Names:  Montelukast

Brand Names:  Singulair®

Description:   Montelukast comes in a variety of dosage forms and works overtime by decreasing the body’s response to allergens.

Delivery

Oral tablet, oral chewable tablet, oral granules (sprinkles)

Dosage

Adult dosing

  • 10 mg tablet taken by mouth every evening

Pediatric dosing

  • Children ≥ 1 year to 5 years: 4 mg once every evening (oral granules or a chewable tablet)
  • Children 6 to 14 years of age: 5 mg (chewable tablet) once every evening
  • 15 years of age and older: 10 mg once every evening

Proper Use

  • See instructions for proper use
  • Take every evening at the same time for best results
  • Continue to take this medication even if your feel well
  • Granules may be administered directly in the mouth or mixed with a teaspoon of applesauce, carrots, rice, ice cream, baby formula, or breast milk (do not add to any other liquids or foods); administer within 15 minutes of opening packet
  • Chewable tablet should not be swallowed whole

Precautions

  • Do NOT use this drug to treat an asthma attack
  • When using with inhaled corticosteroids (such as budesonide, fluticasone, flunisolide), the dose of the steroid may be decreased
  • Montelukast should not be substituted for inhaled or oral steroids

Common Interactions

No common interactions exist for this drug, but less common ones exist. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your medications and health problems so they can check for any interactions.

Possible Side Effects

  • Possible side effects include headache, sore throat, upset stomach, runny nose, and dizziness
  • Tell your doctor or seek medical attention if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction (rash, hives, wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing or swelling of the face), fever, very bad stomach pain, or new feelings of depression or behavioral changes

Proper Storage

  • Keep in original container
  • Store at room temperature
  • Protect from heat, light, and water
  • Do not store in a bathroom