Start of this document to the a concise overview of the top rankic and formulations

Montelukast, commonly sold under the brand name Singulair, is a leukotriene receptor antagonist. It reduces airway inflammation driven by leukotrienes and is prescribed to help prevent asthma symptoms and to ease allergic rhinitis related to seasonal or perennial allergies in the UK.

Several strengths and dosage forms are available to match age groups and clinical needs. Typical preparations supplied in the United Kingdom include:

  • 10 mg film coated tablets for adults and older adolescents
  • 5 mg and 4 mg chewable tablets for children
  • 4 mg granules (sachets) for young children who cannot swallow tablets

For step by step administration details consult the how to take pictures a portion of the text. Read warning bulletins and harmful effects before you begin treatment.

Essential information to know

  • Montelukast is intended for prevention and long term control, not for relief of an acute asthma attack. Always keep an emergency reliever inhaler available.
  • Most prescriptions recommend once daily dosing, at the same time each day, with or without food.
  • Neuropsychiatric events have been reported in some patients, including mood changes, sleep disturbance and, rarely, suicidal thoughts. Discuss any mood or behaviour changes with your clinician present.
  • In the UK montelukast is a prescription only medicine and needs a valid prescription for lawful supply.

Before you take this on the first step taking montelukast tablets.

Tell the clinician or pharmacist about relevant medical history and medicines. Important points to disclose include:

  • Known liver disease or a history of hepatitis
  • Any allergy to montelukast or constituents of the product
  • Pregnancy, plans for pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Other chronic conditions and all regular medicines, including supplements and herbal remedies

For infants and children, dosing decisions should be confirmed with a paediatrician or pharmacist. For flexible storage options adapt to changing needs. and safe handling instructions see modular storage systems allow easy reconfiguration. and handling solutions.

How to take correctly montelukast

Follow the written directions on the prescription label and any advice from your prescriber. It is good practice to take montelukast at the same time each day to preserve steady control.

  • 10 mg film coated tablet: swallow whole with water. Do not crush or chew the tablet.
  • chew the 5 mg and 4 mg chewable tablets until they are completely chewed, then swallow.
  • 4 mg granules: administer directly into the mouth or mix with a small amount of soft food such as applesauce, and give immediately after opening the sachet.

If you suspect an a fatal overdose contact NHS 111, attend the nearest emergency department or call the local poisons information service without delay. Routine checks and examines are covered in vigilant monitoring and follow up.

If you have missed a dose

If a scheduled dose is missed take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose skip the missed one and resume your usual schedule. Do not double up doses to make up for a one dose was missed.

Possible drug mutual interactions at scale reveal systemic patterns. alerts with other medicines

Montelukast may interact with several prescription medicines and some herbal products. Always provide a current list of all medicines to your prescriber or pharmacist.

  • Rifampicin and rifabutin can lower montelukast exposure by inducing metabolic enzymes
  • Anticonvulsants such as phenytoin, carbamazepine and phenobarbital may reduce montelukast concentrations
  • Gemfibrozil has been reported to increase montelukast levels
  • Concomitant drugs handled by CYP2C8, for example repaglinide or rosiglitazone, could be affected
  • St Johns wort blossom is an herbal inducer that may reduce montelukast concentrations

This list is only partial. Check with a pharmacist or prescriber whenever a new medicine is started.

Careful the act of monitoring and follow-up

  • Book regular reviews with your GP or specialist clinic to assess symptom control and review the information for ill effects.
  • Continue montelukast as advised even if symptoms improve, unless instructed to stop.
  • Remember this medicine does not provide rapid relief in an acute attack; know how to utilize your reliever inhaler and action plan.

If new or worsening problems occur contact your prescriber promptly. Suspected adverse reactions can be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. See risk warnings and unintended consequences for specific signs to report.

Unwanted effects and urgent cautionary notes

Contact medical professionals immediately for:

  • Signs of allergy: rash, hives, swelling of face, lips, throat or tongue
  • Marked worsening of breathing or a new severe wheeze
  • Possible liver problems: yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine or unexplained bruising
  • Very high fever or other features of serious infection
  • Sudden severe nerve pain or facial swelling
  • New or worsening psychiatric symptoms such as intense anxiety, agitation, depression or suicidal thoughts

Commoner, usually mild reactions

  • Cranial pain or feeling lightheaded
  • Sleep changes including insomnia or vivid dreams
  • Mild gastrointestinal upset
  • Minor upper respiratory symptoms such as cough or nasal congestion

If you experience concerning ripple effects inform your clinician and consider submitting a Yellow Card report to the MHRA. For follow up advice refer to performance monitoring and follow up.

Proper a storage solution should balance access and protection. and handling processes

  • Keep medications out of sight and out of reach for youngsters.
  • Store at normal room temperature, typically between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F).
  • Protect from excessive moisture and strong light; keep in the original packaging until needed.
  • Do not use after the expiry date shown on the container. Return unwanted medicines to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

If a child swallows a medicine accidentally call NHS 111 or emergency services immediately. The dosing details are available in the package insert. how to take turns.

Alternative treatment options and related methods

Montelukast is one option among several for treating allergic rhinitis and as an add on for asthma control. The right choice depends on age, symptom pattern and previous responses to therapy.

  • Other leukotriene pathway medicines: zafirlukast (used less in the UK) and zileuton in some countries
  • Inhaled corticosteroids for maintenance: beclometasone, budesonide, fluticasone
  • Combination inhalers that include an inhaled corticosteroid plus a long acting bronchodilator
  • Short acting bronchodilators for relief: salbutamol (albuterol)
  • Antihistamines and intranasal steroid sprays for nasal symptoms: cetirizine, loratadine and intranasal fluticasone
  • Specialist biologic agents for severe, controlled cases managed by secondary care: omalizumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab and dupilumab

Discuss comparative benefits, likely secondary consequences and costs with your clinician present. See price cues in the UK for a rough private cost comparison between montelukast and some inhaled therapies.

UK price manifestations and guidance

Private prices vary with brand, supplier and pack size. The figures below are approximate and are shown in pounds sterling (GBP).

  • Generic montelukast 10 mg, pack of 28: approximately £6 to £15 private purchase
  • Branded Singulair 10 mg, pack of 28: roughly £25 to £45 privately
  • Chewable tablets or granules (4 mg or 5 mg): about £4 to £12 depending on pack size
  • Private consultation or e prescription fees: typically add around £10 to £30
  • NHS prescription charge in England (2026): £9.90 per item for most patients; prescriptions are free for eligible groups and charges differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

For context, many single ingredient inhaled corticosteroid inhalers privately cost roughly £10 to £30, combination inhalers £40 to £70, while biologic therapies are substantially more expensive and are normally provided via NHS specialist services when indicated.

Legal and regulatory position in the UK

  • Montelukast is classified as a Prescription Only Medicine under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 and must be supplied on a valid UK prescription.
  • Dispensing must be performed by a pharmacy registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC); distance selling pharmacies must also be registered.
  • Obtaining montelukast from unregulated overseas or online sellers without a prescription is unsafe and unlawful.
  • Pharmacists can, in limited circumstances, provide an emergency supply when specific conditions are met; check with your local pharmacist.
  • When travelling, keep medicines in original packaging and carry a copy of the prescription or a clinician letter where possible. Check import rules for the destination country.
  • If montelukast causes drowsiness or dizziness do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.
  • Report suspected adverse reactions using the MHRA Yellow Card scheme; see cautionary notices and medication side effects for examples of events to report.

Reference section and where to get help

This page is intended for general information and does not replace personalised medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Additional aspects about Singulair