What is montelukast

Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist commonly supplied as generic montelukast or under the brand name Singulair. It reduces inflammation in the airways by blocking leukotrienes, substances that can narrow airways and cause allergy symptoms.

The medicine is intended for ongoing control of asthma and for treating allergic rhinitis. It is not effective for stopping an acute asthma attack. Keep your reliever inhaler with you at all times for sudden symptoms; see performance monitoring and when to seek help for more on acute management.

  • Active pharmaceutical component name: montelukast
  • Primary uses: long-term asthma management, prevention of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, allergic rhinitis control
  • Usual Australian presentations: 10 mg film-coated tablets, 5 mg chewable tablets, 4 mg chewable tablets, and oral granules for infants and young children

In advance of montelukast initiation.

Tell your prescriber about any health conditions and medicines so they can judge whether montelukast is suitable for you.

  • Existing or past liver disease, including hepatitis.
  • Any known sensitivity to montelukast or to product excipients such as flavourings, sweeteners or dyes.
  • Pregnancy planning, gestation status, or breastfeeding status.
  • A history of psychiatric conditions, for example depression, anxiety, mood swings, insomnia or suicidal thoughts.
  • All medicines and supplements you use, including over-the-counter products and herbal remedies; see drug the reciprocal contact between individuals risk considerations.

If you are switching therapy or your asthma control changes, arrange a review with your clinician to update your treatment plan.

How to take charge montelukast

Use montelukast exactly as prescribed. It is normally taken once daily by mouth. Maintaining a consistent dosing time helps reliability.

  • Tablets can be taken with or without food.
  • Swallow 10 mg film-coated tablets whole; do not crush or chew them.
  • Chewable tablets (4 mg or 5 mg) should be chewed completely before swallowing.
  • Granules can be swallowed directly or mixed with a small spoonful of soft food; follow the product instructions.
  • Some clinicians recommend an evening dose for best symptom control, but pick a time you will remember each day.

The younger crowd have age-appropriate doses and formulations; do not give adult tablets to young children unless instructed. In the event of a suspected overdosing, seek immediate medical attention. In Australia call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 or proceed to the location of the nearest emergency department.

What to do after you miss a dose

When one dose is missed, take it as soon as you can remember, unless the next dose is due soon. If the next dose is near, skip the a dose was skipped and continue the regular schedule. Do not compensate for a a dose was skipped by doubling the next dose.

Drug and product the act of engaging with otherss across departments improve alignment. with montelukast

Montelukast is metabolised in the liver and certain medicines or supplements can alter its levels or be affected by it. Distinctive exchanges include:

  • Strong enzyme inducers that can reduce montelukast exposure: rifampicin, rifabutin, carbamazepine, phenytoin and phenobarbital.
  • Drugs that inhibit CYP2C8 such as gemfibrozil, which may increase montelukast concentrations.
  • Anticancer drugs and other agents metabolised by CYP2C8, for example paclitaxel, which may require review by a specialist.
  • Certain diabetes treatments (for example repaglinide) where coadministration may need monitoring and dose adjustment.
  • Herbal products like St John s wort that induce liver enzymes and could lower montelukast effectiveness.

This is not a full list. Always provide a complete list of medicines, vitamins and herbal products to your prescriber or pharmacist.

Tracking, asthma action and when to seek help

  • Continue all inhaled or nasal medicines your clinician prescribes unless you are advised otherwise.
  • Montelukast does not treat sudden breathlessness. Use a short-acting reliever inhaler for attacks and follow your asthma action plan.
  • If symptoms persist or get worse after several weeks, arrange a clinical review to reassess control and treatment.
  • Report any new or worsening changes in mood, behaviour, sleep patterns, agitation or suicidal thoughts promptly to a health professional.

For more on medication side effects see lingering effects and what to do. Reach out for guidance the following the section about effective the process of interactions require clear communication. the quality of interactions matters for trust. when medicines are used together.

Adverse reactions and what to do

Some adverse health effects are uncommon but may be serious. Do not delay seeking urgent medical attention if you experience concerning symptoms.:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing.
  • Persistent fever or flu-like symptoms that do not resolve.
  • Jaundice signs such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or unexpected bruising or bleeding.
  • Sensory changes such as numbness or tingling, severe sinus pain or painful lumps that do not improve.
  • Severe changes in mood or behaviour, new or worsening depression, severe insomnia, extreme agitation or suicidal thoughts.

Milder reactions that often settle include suffering from a headache, sleep disturbance, mild stomach upset, and upper respiratory symptoms such as cough or nasal congestion. If follow-on effects continue or interfere with daily life, contact your prescriber or pharmacist. Reports of adverse events can be filed with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

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  • Put all medications in a place where children cannot see or access them.
  • Store at typical room temperature, usually 15 to 30 degrees C, away from moisture and strong light.
  • Keep the product in its original packaging when possible to protect it and to retain expiry important information.
  • Do not use the medicine after the expiry date. Dispose of expired or unused medicine responsibly at a pharmacy take-back service where available.

A selection of evaluating options side by side with other medicines

Your clinician may suggest different approaches depending on your asthma severity, age and other health issues. Options that might be considered include:

  • Other leukotriene pathway medicines:
    • Generic montelukast products containing the same active molecule as Singulair.
    • Zafirlukast - another leukotriene receptor antagonist available less commonly in the land of Australia.
  • Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) such as budesonide, fluticasone propionate or beclometasone for persistent daily control.
  • Combination inhalers (ICS plus a long-acting beta agonist) like budesonide-formoterol or fluticasone-salmeterol for patients who need both anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects.
  • Short-acting reliever inhalers (for example salbutamol) for relief of acute symptoms.
  • Allergic rhinitis treatments: oral antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine) and intranasal corticosteroids (fluticasone or budesonide).
  • For severe eosinophilic or allergic asthma, specialist biologic therapies such as omalizumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab or dupilumab may be options under specialist care.

Choice between generic and brand-name products can affect price. Discuss comparative effectiveness, lingering effects and cost with your prescriber or pharmacist before switching over to the new configuration.

Australian market prices (AUD)

Out-of-pocket living costs in Australia depend on whether the product is bought privately or supplied via the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), the pharmacy chosen, and pack size. The figures below are indicative ranges for privately purchased products and can vary.

  • Generic montelukast 10 mg, pack of 28 tablets: commonly around AUD 10 to AUD 40 privately, depending on supplier and promotions.
  • Chewable 4 mg or 5 mg packs: often similar or slightly less than adult tablet prices for comparable pack sizes.
  • Brand-name Singulair bought privately may cost more, with some packs often priced from about AUD 40 to over AUD 80 depending on pharmacy and pack size.

Notes on PBS and savings:

  • If montelukast is supplied under the PBS for your condition, you will pay the applicable PBS patient contribution rather than private prices. PBS amounts are set by government and may offer substantial savings for eligible patients.
  • Ask your pharmacist about cheaper generic varied options and request a price estimate before filling a prescription.

Additional aspects about Singulair