MONTELUKAST (mon te LOO kast) prevents and treats the symptoms of asthma and allergies. It works by decreasing inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe. Do not use this medication to treat a sudden asthma attack.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Liver disease
An unusual or allergic reaction to montelukast, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breastfeeding
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take this medication with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 15 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, skip it. Take your next dose at the normal time. Do not take extra or 2 doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose.
What may interact with this medication?
Medications for seizures, such as phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine
Rifabutin
Rifampin
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Flu-like symptoms—fever, chills, muscle pain, cough, headache, fatigue
Mood and behavior changes such as anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet
Sinus pain or pressure around the face or forehead
Trouble sleeping
Vivid dreams or nightmares
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Cough
Diarrhea
Headache
Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat
Stomach pain
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your allergy or asthma symptoms do not improve. Take your medication even when you do not have symptoms.
If you have asthma, talk to your care team about what to do in an acute asthma attack. Always have your rescue medication for asthma attacks with you.
This medication may cause thoughts of suicide or depression. This includes sudden changes in mood, behaviors, or thoughts. Also watch for sudden changes in feelings and behaviors, such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. Call your care team right away if you experience a change in behavior or worsening depression.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Protect from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or expired:
Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.
