What is Montelukast: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Montelukast overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Singulair, Singulair

Generic Names:

  • Montelukast Sodium

Uses:

  • Prevents and treats asthma. Also prevents exercise-induced bronchoconstriction and treats symptoms caused by allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Anti-Inflammatory

Forms:

  • Packet, Tablet, Chewable Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Montelukast used for?

What form(s) does Montelukast come in

  • Packet

  • Tablet

  • Chewable Tablet

What are common Montelukast doses?

  • Tablet 10MG

  • Bottle 30 Tablets Chewable

  • Bottle 90 Tablets Chewable

  • Bottle 30 Tablets

  • Bottle 90 Tablets

  • Bottle 1GM of

  • Bottle 100GM of

  • Tablet Chewable 4MG

  • Tablet Chewable 5MG

  • Box 30 Packet

Common Montelukast prescriptions

  • Montelukast Sodium
    1000 tablets bottle

  • Montelukast Sodium
    30 tablets bottle

  • Montelukast Sodium
    30 tablets chewable bottle

  • Montelukast Sodium
    90 tablets bottle

  • Montelukast Sodium
    90 tablets chewable bottle

  • Montelukast Sodium
    30 packet box

  • Montelukast Sodium
    30 tablets disp pack

  • Montelukast Sodium
    10mg tablet

  • Montelukast Sodium
    4mg tablet chewable

  • Montelukast Sodium
    5mg tablet chewable

How to take Montelukast

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Oral granules: Do not open the packet until you are ready to use it. You can give the oral granules in one of three ways.Put the oral granules directly on a spoon, then into the patient's mouth.Mix the granules with baby formula or breast milk that is cold or room temperature. Do not mix the granules with any other liquid.Mix the granules with applesauce, mashed carrots, rice, or ice cream. Do not mix the granules with any other type of soft food. If the medicine is mixed with formula, breast milk, or food, use it right away. Do not save any mixed medicine to use later.

  • Missed dose: If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

  • Store the medicine in the original container at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.

  • Missed dose: If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Oral granules: Do not open the packet until you are ready to use it. You can give the oral granules in one of three ways.Put the oral granules directly on a spoon, then into the patient's mouth.Mix the granules with baby formula or breast milk that is cold or room temperature. Do not mix the granules with any other liquid.Mix the granules with applesauce, mashed carrots, rice, or ice cream. Do not mix the granules with any other type of soft food. If the medicine is mixed with formula, breast milk, or food, use it right away. Do not save any mixed medicine to use later.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Store the medicine in the original container at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.

What to do if you miss a dose of Montelukast

Montelukast contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to montelukast.

Montelukast warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease or a condition called phenylketonuria (PKU). Tell your doctor if you have a history of depression or mental health problems.

  • This medicine will not stop an asthma attack that has already started. Your doctor may prescribe another medicine for a sudden asthma attack.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Changes in mood or behavior, including agitation, aggression, depression, sleep disturbances, suicidal thoughts or behaviorIncreased certain white blood cells (eosinophils), which may cause Churg-Strauss syndrome (blood vessel disease)

  • Inhalation routeIf you use a corticosteroid medicine to control your asthma, keep using it as instructed by your doctor.

  • Inhalation routeIf any of your asthma medicines do not seem to be working as well as usual, call your doctor right away. Do not change your doses or stop using your medicines without asking your doctor.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

Montelukast interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how montelukast works. Tell your doctor if you are using aspirin, phenobarbital, NSAIDs, or a steroid medicine.

  • This medicine will not stop an asthma attack that has already started. Your doctor may prescribe another medicine for a sudden asthma attack.

  • Inhalation routeIf you use a corticosteroid medicine to control your asthma, keep using it as instructed by your doctor.

  • Inhalation routeIf any of your asthma medicines do not seem to be working as well as usual, call your doctor right away. Do not change your doses or stop using your medicines without asking your doctor.

  • This medicine may cause some people to be agitated, disoriented, irritable, or reckless. It may also cause depression or suicidal thoughts. Tell your doctor if you have any unusual thoughts or behaviors that trouble you.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Montelukast side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

  • Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness

  • Pain, redness, or swelling in the ear

  • Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, body aches

  • Chest pain, fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

  • Pain and swelling in your sinuses

  • Numbness or tingling in the hands, arms, legs, or feet

  • Restlessness, anxiety, irritability, mood or behavior changes, or thoughts of hurting yourself or others

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Headache

  • Diarrhea

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