Montelukast

Montelukast is used regularly to prevent wheezing and shortness of breath caused by asthma and decrease the number of asthma attacks. Montelukast is also used before exercise to prevent breathing problems. This medication can help decrease the number of times you need to use your rescue inhaler. This medication is also used to relieve symptoms of hay fever and allergic rhinitis (such as sneezing, stuffy/runny/itchy nose).

This drug works by blocking certain natural substances (leukotrienes) that may cause or worsen asthma and allergies. It helps make breathing easier by reducing swelling (inflammation) in the airways.

• Montelukast is available under the following different brand names: Singulair.

Dosages of Montelukast:

Dosage Forms & Strengths

Tablet

• 10 mg

Tablet, chewable

• 4 mg
• 5 mg

Oral granules

• 4 mg//packet

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Asthma

• Adult: 10 mg (single 10-mg tablet) orally once daily in the evening
• Children under 12 months: Safety and efficacy not established
• Children 12-24 months: 4 mg (granules) orally once daily in the evening
• Children 2-6 years: 4 mg (chewable tablet or granules) orally once daily in the evening
• Children 6-15 years: 5 mg (chewable tablet) orally once daily in the evening
• Children over 15 years: 10 mg (conventional tablet) orally once daily in the evening

Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm

• 7.5 mg/day orally at bedtime; increase by 7.5-15 mg/day no more frequently than every 1-2 weeks; not to exceed 60 mg/day

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (Off-label)

Prophylaxis

• Adult: 10 mg orally 2 hours before exercise; do not take additional dose within 24 hours
• Children 6-15 years: 5 mg (chewable tablet) orally 2 hours before exercise; do not take additional dose within 24 hours
• Children over 15 years: 10 mg orally 2 hours before exercise; do not take additional dose within 24 hours
• If taking the drug for another indication, do not take an additional dose to prevent EIB

Allergic or Perennial Rhinitis

• Adult: 10 mg (single 10-mg tablet) orally once daily
• Children under 6 months: Safety and efficacy not established
• Children 6-24 months: 4 mg (granules) orally once daily
• Children 2-6 years: 4 mg (chewable tablet or granules) orally once daily
• Children 6-15 years: 5 mg (chewable tablet) orally once daily
• Children over 15 years: 10 mg (conventional tablet) orally once daily

Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis, Pediatric

• Children under 2 years: Safety and efficacy not established
• Children 2-6 years: 5 mg (chewable tablet) or 4 mg (granules) orally once daily
• Children 6-15 years: 5 mg (chewable tablet) orally once daily
• Children over 15 years: 10 mg (conventional tablet) orally once daily

Administration

• Patients aged 12 years and older with both asthma and allergic rhinitis: 1 dose orally at bedtime
• Patients with allergic rhinitis: Dosing time may be individualized to patient needs
• Granules may be taken directly; mixed in applesauce, carrots, rice, or ice cream; or dissolved in 5 mL of breast milk or baby formula (administer within 15 minutes of opening)