Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: MONTELUKAST (mon-te-LOO-kast)
This medicine is used for the prevention and long-term treatment of asthma. It is used to prevent asthma attacks caused by exercise. It is also used to treat allergy symptoms. Montelukast works by blocking substances in the body called leukotrienes. Blocking leukotrienes improves asthma and seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis symptoms. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking other asthma medicines, rifamycin antibiotics (e.g., rifampin), phenytoin, phenobarbital, or carbamazepine. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including liver problems, mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts or actions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN under age one is not recommended. Please talk with your doctor about risks and benefits before giving this medicine to your child.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may come with a patient leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. If taking this medicine for asthma, this medicine is usually taken once daily in the evening. If you are taking this medicine for hay fever, take it at about the same time each day (either morning or evening). If you are taking montelukast for both asthma and hay fever symptoms, take this medicine in the evening. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. The granules may be placed directly in the mouth or mixed with a spoonful of soft food at cold or room temperature before swallowing. Soft foods that may be used include applesauce, mashed carrots, rice, or ice cream. Be sure to swallow the entire spoonful right away (within 15 minutes). DO NOT put the granules in liquid. However, you may drink liquids after swallowing the granules or granule mixture. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in the original packet, away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Never store granules mixed with food for later use. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product. THIS MEDICINE WILL NOT STOP AN ASTHMA ATTACK once one has started. IF YOU ARE ALSO USING A BRONCHODILATOR INHALER, be sure to always carry the inhaler with you to use during asthma attacks. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for specific advice on all drug therapy. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR PROMPTLY IF YOUR SYMPTOMS DO NOT IMPROVE or if they become worse while you are using this medicine. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR PROMPTLY if your short-acting inhaler use increases or if use exceeds the 24-hour maximum prescribed by the doctor. DO NOT STOP OR LOWER YOUR DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE or other asthma medicines without first checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including lung function, will be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more information. If your asthma is sensitive to aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (such as ibuprofen), continue to avoid those medicines as directed by your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include unusual weakness, stomach pain or upset, dizziness, cough, headache, tiredness, and stuffy nose. If they continue or are bothersome, contact your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience hallucinations, fever, persistent sore throat or earache, or flu symptoms. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience severe stomach pain, severe sinus pain or inflammation, mental or mood changes, suicidal thoughts or actions, muscle aches/cramps, irregular heartbeat, yellowing eyes/skin, numbness/tingling of the hands or feet, easy bruising or bleeding, swelling, or seizures. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, severe swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include thirst, drowsiness, dilated pupils, increased muscle movements, or severe stomach pain.
If you are taking this medicine for asthma, carry an identification card at all times that says you have asthma. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out.
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