Montelukast (Singulair Generic)

How does Montelukast work?

Montelukast belongs to a family of medications called leukotriene receptor antagonists. They work to reduce the symptoms of asthma and allergies (runny nose, airway narrowing) by blocking these leukotrienes' actions in the body.

What is Montelukast used for?

Montelukast can be used for several purposes. It can be used to treat mild asthma, exercise-induced asthma, and seasonal allergies (allergic rhinitis).

How long does it take for Montelukast to work?

Montelukast usually works immediately to reduce the leukotriene levels in your body once you have consumed the tablet. However, it might take about a week before the medication reaches full effect.

Is Montelukast available over the counter?

Montelukast tablets are only available with a doctor's prescription. If you think you benefit from a prescription of Montelukast, simply fill out our consultation form on the Medzino website, and one of our doctors will determine if the medication is suitable for you.

Where can you buy Montelukast?

You can get Montelukast tablets from us here at Medzino. Simply fill out our online consultation form. If one of our doctors feels it is safe to prescribe, our pharmacy will ship it in plain discreet packaging right to your door.

Where is Montelukast made?

Montelukast, brand name Singulair, is made by the company Merck in the USA.

Where is Montelukast metabolized?

Montelukast is metabolized by the enzyme Cytochrome P450, in the liver. It is excreted into the bile and then into the feces.

Active ingredients

The active ingredient is Montelukast sodium. Each 10-mg Singulair tablet contains 10.4mg Montelukast sodium.

Inactive ingredients

Montelukast contains these inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and magnesium stearate. The tablets are coated in a film that is made up of these ingredients: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, titanium dioxide, red ferric oxide, yellow ferric oxide, and carnauba wax.

Are there any ingredients in Montelukast which can cause an allergic reaction?

Unless you are specifically allergic to one of the ingredients, there is not one particular ingredient that is more likely to cause an allergic reaction. However, if you take Montelukast and notice any symptoms of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, face swelling, or hives, stop the medication immediately and get emergency medical attention.

Montelukast Dosage

Each Montelukast 10mg tablet should be taken once daily, either in the morning or the evening. You can decide when you will take it. You can take the tablet with or without food. If you miss a dose of the medication, do not worry about the missed dose. Just take the next dose as scheduled normally.

How many times a day do you take Montelukast?

Montelukast 10mg is taken once a day, either in the morning or evening. It is always important to follow the instructions given to you by your healthcare professional and take the medication as prescribed by your doctor. Please do not take a larger dose or use it more frequently.

Montelukast side effects 

If you notice any of these side effects, contact your doctor immediately and let them know what you are experiencing. 

More common side effects include:

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Stomach discomfort
• Headache 
• Nausea
• Skin reactions 
• Infections of the upper respiratory tract
• Vomiting

Uncommon side effects

• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Irritability 
• Muscle pain
• Seizure 
• Abnormal sensation 
• Trouble sleeping 
• Increased tendency to bleed
• Abnormal behavior 

Rare

• Pus in the urine

Will Montelukast make you sleepy/drowsy?

Montelukast does not usually cause drowsiness or sleepiness. Hence is it perfectly safe to take the tablet in the morning.

Will Montelukast raise your blood pressure?

There has been no evidence that Montelukast increases blood pressure.

Can Montelukast cause depression?

The FDA has released warnings about the link between Montelukast and mental health side effects. Montelukast can cause depression and other mental health side effects. Please make sure to let your healthcare provider know of any mental health conditions you might be suffering from to make sure they prescribe you a safe treatment regimen.

Can Montelukast cause weight gain?

There have been cases of Montelukast increasing body fat and, hence, weight in patients; however, this is rare.

Can Montelukast cause hair loss?

There has been no evidence linking Montelukast and hair loss.

Drug interactions

Montelukast interacts with these medications: Gemfibrozil, Loxapine, and Lumacaftor. It is important to let your doctor know of any medicines you take to make sure they are prescribing you a safe treatment. It is also not recommended to consume grapefruit juice while taking Montelukast as it can increase the risk of certain side effects.

Montelukast and pregnancy

At present, there is not sufficient evidence to determine if Montelukast is safe for use during pregnancy.  Your doctor will have to weigh the risks and benefits when deciding if Montelukast is suitable for you. It is advised to avoid the use of Montelukast while pregnant if possible.

Which is better, Montelukast or Levocetirizine?

A study conducted in 2008 concluded that levocetirizine is superior to Montelukast in the treatment of childhood allergic rhinitis. The study was commissioned to compare the efficiency and safety of Montelukast and Levocetirizine in the management of childhood perennial allergic rhinitis.

Which is better, Montelukast or Zyrtec?

Zyrtec is the brand name for cetirizine. A study in 2004 found that cetirizine is more effective than Montelukast in reducing the symptoms of allergies such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and rhinorrhea (runny nose).