montelukast

Brand names: montelukast sodium

# Montelukast Overview Montelukast is a medicine that helps people control asthma and allergies. Doctors prescribe it to reduce swelling in the airways and prevent asthma attacks and allergy symptoms. Instead of treating symptoms when they happen, montelukast works to stop problems before they start. It comes in different forms, like tablets and chewable tablets, making it easy for both kids and adults to take. When taking montelukast, it's important to know about safety. The good news is that this medicine works well with most other drugs you might be taking, so you usually don't need dose adjustments if you use it with common medicines like birth control, allergy medicines, or heart medications. However, you should always tell your doctor about all medicines you're taking. Some people may experience side effects, so talk to your doctor if you notice anything unusual after starting this medication. Never stop taking montelukast suddenly without talking to your doctor first, even if you feel better.

Known Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS No dose adjustment is needed when montelukast sodium is co-administered with theophylline, prednisone, prednisolone, oral contraceptives, terfenadine, digoxin, warfarin, gemfibrozil, itraconazole, thyroid hormones, sedative hypnotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, benzodiazepines, decongestants, and Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme inducers [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .

Source: FDA-approved drug labeling via openFDA

Most Reported Side Effects (FAERS)

  • DYSPNOEA18,663 reports
  • ASTHMA18,145 reports
  • DRUG INEFFECTIVE12,632 reports
  • FATIGUE11,691 reports
  • COUGH11,062 reports
  • HEADACHE10,503 reports
  • NAUSEA9,173 reports
  • PNEUMONIA8,816 reports
  • WHEEZING8,768 reports
  • PAIN8,197 reports

Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Voluntary reports do not establish causation.

Check interactions with montelukast:

SafeCheck provides drug interaction information from FDA-approved product labeling (openFDA). This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.