Montelar (Montelukast Sodium)

• Montelar is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used to manage respiratory allergic conditions.
• Asthma: improves control of chronic airway inflammation and reduces frequency of exacerbations.
• Allergic rhinitis: alleviates nasal congestion, sneezing and itching caused by seasonal allergens.
• Exercise‑induced bronchospasm: prevents airway narrowing during or after physical activity.

• Montelukast selectively blocks the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor CysLT1, preventing leukotriene D4 from binding. This inhibition reduces leukotriene‑mediated bronchoconstriction, mucus secretion, and inflammatory cell recruitment in the airways, thereby improving respiratory function and decreasing allergic inflammation.

Montelar may cause a range of adverse reactions, most of which are mild and transient.

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Upper respiratory tract infection: nasopharyngitis or common cold symptoms.
• Abdominal pain: discomfort or cramping in the stomach area.
• Cough: occasional dry or productive cough.
• Diarrhoea: loose stools occurring intermittently.
• Rash: mild skin redness or itching.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Mood changes: depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts.
• Hepatic dysfunction: elevated liver enzymes or hepatitis.
• Angio‑edema: swelling of lips, tongue or face.
• Anaphylaxis: severe allergic reaction with respiratory distress.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: severe skin blistering and detachment.
• Blood dyscrasias: rare cases of neutropenia or eosinophilia.

• Before prescribing Montelar, clinicians should consider patient‑specific factors and monitor for potential risks.
• Pregnancy: assess risk‑benefit ratio; limited data are available.
• Breastfeeding: weigh potential infant exposure against maternal benefit.
• Renal or hepatic impairment: use with caution; monitor liver function.
• Concomitant psychiatric disorders: observe for mood alterations.
• Drug interactions: review patient’s medication list for known interactions.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, retain in original packaging, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Montelar can interact with several medicines; awareness of interaction severity guides clinical decisions.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Phenobarbital: may reduce montelukast plasma concentrations.
• Rifampin: induces metabolism, potentially lowering efficacy.
• St. John’s wort: may decrease drug exposure through enzyme induction.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs): monitor for mood changes.
• Warfarin: occasional reports of altered INR; check coagulation status.
• Beta‑agonists: assess for additive bronchodilator effects.