Montelukast

NHS Senior Clinical Pharmacist, Irsalan Ahmed (MPharm) provides a simple explanation of the medication below:

'Montelukast is a long-term medication used to reduce asthmatic symptoms by blocking leukotrienes and thus helping in airway expansion.'.

If you think Montelukast is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you.

What is Montelukast?

Montelukast are tablets used to treat asthma by preventing onset attacks of breathlessness and wheeziness. It is a long term treatment that does act with immediate effect, so it should not be relied upon in the event of an asthma attack.

Can I take Montelukast?

Montelukast can be taken by both adults and children from 6 months old.

Like with many medications, Montelukast isn’t suitable for everyone. Always consult your doctor to ensure it is safe for you. Montelukast may not be suitable for you if you:

• Have ever had an allergic reaction to Montelukast or any other medications
• Have a rare hereditary problem of galactose intolerance

Montelukast Reviews

Read first hand what other UK Meds customers think about Montelukast and it's impact on patients lives on our customer reviews above. For further context there are also a large selection of Montelukast reviews describing what people think about their experiences with the medication available at Drugs.com.

It is important to note that people may have different experiences when they use Montelukast. If someone states that their medication did not work as they had hoped, it does not mean that it will not work for you. If you believe that it is the right medication for you then the best thing to do is to consult your doctor or healthcare professional, and judge the medication based on your own experiences if they recommend it as a treatment. Before starting a medication you should always consult with your healthcare provider first to ensure that it is safe and suitable for your individual needs.

For more information on the prescription medication patients should refer to the Montelukast patient information leaflet.

How should I use Montelukast?

Montelukast is a medication taken by mouth with a glass of water. It can be taken with or without food and should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Here's how to take it depending on your condition:

• Asthma: Take once daily at night for best results.
• Preventing breathing problems during exercise: Take 2 hours before exercising.
• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever): Take once daily at any time of the day, but at the same time every day for consistency.

Important Instructions:

• Follow the dosage and instructions on your prescription label carefully. If you are unsure, ask your pharmacist or doctor for clarification.
• Do not take Montelukast more or less frequently than prescribed.
• Montelukast is not for sudden asthma attacks. Your doctor may prescribe a short-acting inhaler for emergency use. Learn to manage asthma attacks with your doctor and inform them if your symptoms worsen or occur more frequently.

Additional Warnings:

• Avoid using aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) while on Montelukast, as they can make asthma symptoms worse.

What is the recommended dosage of Montelukast?

Montelukast is available in different forms and strengths, tailored for various age groups. Always follow your doctor's instructions and the prescription provided.

Dosage by Age Group

• Adults and children aged 15 years and older:

  • 10mg tablet: Take one tablet daily.

• Children aged 6 to 14 years:

  • 5mg chewable tablet: Take one tablet daily.

• Children aged 6 months to 5 years:

  • 4mg dose: Available as granules or chewable tablets (chewable tablets are suitable for children over 2 years). Take once daily.

Always ensure Montelukast is taken at the same time each day to maximise its effectiveness. If you have any questions about your or your child’s dose, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

What precautions should I take before taking Montelukast?

Before starting Montelukast, there are important precautions to consider. Always discuss your medical history with your doctor to ensure this medication is safe for you.

Who Should Avoid Montelukast?

• Allergic reactions: Do not use Montelukast if you are allergic to it.
• Medical history: Inform your doctor if you have:
  • Mental health conditions or a history of psychosis.
  • Asthma or severe allergic reactions to aspirin or other NSAIDs, which can cause symptoms like sneezing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.

Special Considerations

• Chewable Tablets: These may contain phenylalanine, which could be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare inherited condition.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Let your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, so they can determine if Montelukast is suitable for you.

Always read the patient information leaflet and consult your healthcare provider with any concerns.

Does Montelukast have any side effects?

Like all medications, Montelukast can cause side effects, but not everyone experiences them. Below is a guide to common and rare side effects.

Common Side Effects

These affect more than 1 in 100 people. If they bother you or don’t go away, speak to your GP:

• Diarrhoea
• High temperature
• Persistent headaches
• Stomach ache
• Vomiting
• Mild rash

Rare but Serious Side Effects

If you experience any of these, seek medical attention immediately:

• Mood changes (e.g., depression, aggression)
• Thoughts of self-harm
• Hallucinations
• Difficulty concentrating or changes in speech (e.g., stuttering)
• Shaking or trembling
• Unusual or fast heartbeat
• Yellowing of the skin or the whites of your eyes (a sign of liver problems)

If you're concerned about any side effects, don’t hesitate to contact your GP or pharmacist for advice.

Can I buy Montelukast from UK Meds?

You can safely buy Montelukast online at UK Meds. You will first need to have an online consultation that is subject to review from a registered independent prescriber before the decision to prescribe is made. The online consultation will ensure that Montelukast is the right medication for your medical condition.

• About Montelukast - NHS
• Montelukast - BNF
• Montelukast for Asthma (Singulair) - Patient.info
• Montelukast - Asthma and Lung UK