Medically reviewed by Jessica Swirble, PharmD
Last updated on April 18, 2025
Drug Information | Side Effects | Use & Dosage | Request an Online Prescription
Montelukast is a prescription medication used to prevent asthma symptoms in adults and children. It is also used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasms (asthma symptoms that occur after exercise).
In addition, montelukast may be prescribed to prevent seasonal or year-round allergic rhinitis symptoms in adults and children.
Montelukast is prescribed to prevent asthma symptoms (like coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing) in adults and children. It is also prescribed to prevent bronchospasm symptoms (difficulty breathing) after exercise (known as exercise-induced bronchospasm).
In addition, montelukast may be prescribed to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis (allergy symptoms like congestion, difficulty breathing, and itching that occur at a specific time of year) or perennial allergic rhinitis (allergy symptoms that occur year-round) in adults and children.
Montelukast is used to prevent asthma symptoms. It is not a fast-acting asthma relief medication.
Montelukast is classified as a leukotriene receptor antagonist. Leukotrienes are chemicals released by your body in response to an allergen. They cause effects similar to those of histamine. By blocking the release of leukotrienes, these medications prevent the inflammation that causes asthma symptoms and the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Montelukast is available as an oral tablet, chewable tablet, and oral granules.
Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding dosage and schedule. Do not exceed the prescribed dose or frequency of use without consulting your provider.
Montelukast is used to manage asthma, allergic rhinitis, and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. The effects can be noticeable within a few days, but it may take several weeks to achieve optimal symptom control.
Continue using montelukast as prescribed, even if you start feeling better. Regular use according to your prescription is crucial for the management of your condition.
While montelukast is primarily used for treating asthma, allergic rhinitis, and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, healthcare providers may prescribe it off-label for other conditions.
Discuss any alternative uses of montelukast with your healthcare provider.
Montelukast is available in the following dosage forms:
Montelukast is a prescription medication. You must have a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to obtain it.
The use of montelukast can lead to various side effects in some individuals.
Common mild side effects of montelukast use include:
More severe side effects include:
If you experience any severe or concerning side effects while taking montelukast, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Inform your healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions, allergies, or other medications you are taking before starting treatment with montelukast. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements, as they may interact with montelukast.
Tell your provider if you are taking these medications or supplements:
You should also mention medical conditions such as:
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks and benefits of using montelukast with your healthcare provider.
Take montelukast exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of treatment.
Your provider may direct you to take montelukast in the evening for asthma or at the same time each day for allergic rhinitis to maximize its effectiveness.
Montelukast can cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Montelukast can cause potentially serious behavioral changes, including suicidal thoughts and behaviors. If you experience any mood-related or behavioral changes, notify your healthcare provider immediately.
Complete the full course of treatment, even if you feel better, to ensure the medication's effectiveness in managing your condition.
In case of a montelukast overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include stomach pain, drowsiness, thirst, headache, vomiting, or hyperactivity. If you suspect an overdose, contact the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222 or call emergency services.
Montelukast is available in the following forms:
The typical starting dose of montelukast varies depending on the condition being treated, the severity of symptoms, and individual patient factors. It is crucial to follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding dosage and administration.
For asthma and allergic rhinitis:
For exercise-induced bronchoconstriction:
The dosage may be adjusted based on the response and tolerance to the medication. Your healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate dose based on your medical history and your response to the medication.
Montelukast should be taken as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of treatment without consulting your provider.
If you have any questions about your dosage or need adjustments, contact your healthcare provider for guidance. If you want to talk to a provider right away, consider scheduling an online doctor appointment through a telehealth platform like Sesame.
If you miss a dose of montelukast, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
Take montelukast around the same time every day to maintain a consistent amount of medication in your body.
Continue taking montelukast as prescribed by your healthcare provider, even if you start feeling better. It's important to keep taking the medication as directed to manage your condition effectively.
Do not suddenly stop taking montelukast; this can cause your symptoms to return.
If you have any concerns or questions about your medication, discuss them with your healthcare provider for medical advice and recommendations.
Store montelukast according to the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Keep it at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Ensure the container is tightly closed and out of reach of children.
Do not use expired medication or medications that appear damaged or discolored. If you have any questions about storage, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.