Miralust (Montelukast)

Montalust acts on the leukotriene pathway to control chronic airway diseases.

• Asthma: reduces bronchoconstriction and inflammation, improving symptom control.
• Allergic rhinitis: alleviates nasal congestion, sneezing and itching.
• Exercise‑induced bronchoconstriction: prevents airway narrowing triggered by physical activity.

• Montelukast selectively blocks the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor CysLT1 on airway smooth muscle and inflammatory cells. By antagonising this receptor, it inhibits leukotriene‑mediated bronchoconstriction, mucus secretion and eosinophilic inflammation, thereby improving airflow and reducing allergic symptoms.

Montelukast is generally well tolerated, but adverse reactions can occur.

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate pain often transient.
• Abdominal pain: discomfort or cramping in the stomach area.
• Cough: occasional dry or productive cough.
• Nausea: feeling of queasiness, sometimes with vomiting.
• Sore throat: irritation or pain in the throat.
• Diarrhoea: loose stools, usually self‑limiting.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Angioedema: swelling of face, lips or tongue requiring urgent care.
• Hepatic injury: elevated liver enzymes or jaundice.
• Neuropsychiatric events: agitation, depression or suicidal thoughts.
• Anaphylaxis: severe allergic reaction with rash, difficulty breathing.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: rare skin blistering disorder.
• Blood dyscrasias: unexplained bruising or low blood counts.

Before prescribing Montelukast, consider patient‑specific factors and monitor for adverse events.

• Pregnancy: discuss potential risks with a healthcare professional; data are limited.
• Breastfeeding: evaluate benefits versus potential infant exposure.
• Hepatic impairment: use with caution; monitor liver function if clinically indicated.
• Concomitant psychiatric conditions: observe for mood changes or suicidal ideation.
• Drug interactions: review all current medications for possible interactions.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, retain in original packaging, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Montelukast may interact with other medicines; assess the clinical relevance before co‑administration.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Phenobarbital: may reduce montelukast plasma concentrations.
• Rifampin: strong enzyme inducer that can lower therapeutic effect.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs): possible increase in neuropsychiatric side‑effects.
• Warfarin: monitor INR as occasional alterations reported.
• CYP2C9 inhibitors (e.g., fluconazole): may modestly raise montelukast levels.