Montelukast Per Bambini Dai 6 Mesi Ai 5 Anni Di Età Dorom (Montelukast)

Montelukast is used to manage conditions that involve leukotriene‑mediated inflammation and bronchoconstriction.

• Asthma: reduces frequency of symptoms and helps prevent chronic airway narrowing.
• Allergic rhinitis: alleviates nasal congestion, sneezing and itchy eyes.
• Exercise‑induced bronchoconstriction: helps prevent airway narrowing during physical activity.

• Montelukast selectively blocks the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor CysLT1 on airway smooth muscle and inflammatory cells. By inhibiting the binding of leukotrienes D4, E4 and related mediators, it reduces bronchoconstriction, mucus secretion and vascular permeability associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis.

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

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate pain in the head.
• Abdominal pain: discomfort or cramps in the stomach area.
• Cough: occasional dry cough.
• Nausea: feeling of queasiness.
• Sore throat: irritation or pain in the throat.
• Fever: low‑grade temperature elevation.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Allergic reactions: rash, angioedema or anaphylaxis.
• Neuropsychiatric events: mood changes, agitation or suicidal thoughts.
• Hepatic enzyme elevation: abnormal liver function tests.
• Blood dyscrasias: rare blood cell abnormalities.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: severe skin reaction.
• Paradoxical bronchospasm: unexpected airway narrowing.

Before initiating therapy, consider the following safety measures.

• Monitor asthma control: assess symptom frequency and lung function.
• Assess hypersensitivity: avoid use in patients with known allergy to montelukast.
• Use caution in hepatic impairment: adjust therapy if liver disease is present.
• Review concomitant medications: check for potential interactions.
• Educate caregivers: ensure proper administration and adherence.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture.

Montelukast may interact with other medicines; some combinations require avoidance, others close monitoring.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin): may reduce montelukast effectiveness.
• Phenobarbital: can lower plasma concentrations of montelukast.
• Other leukotriene modifiers (e.g., zafirlukast): increase risk of adverse effects.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine): may heighten neuropsychiatric risk.
• Antihistamines: additive effect on allergic symptom control.
• Warfarin: possible alteration of anticoagulant response.