Montelukast Alter (Montelukast)

Montelukast is indicated for conditions involving leukotriene‑mediated inflammation in the respiratory tract.

• Asthma: improves control of chronic asthma and reduces frequency of exacerbations.
• Allergic rhinitis: alleviates nasal congestion, sneezing and itching associated with seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis.
• Exercise‑induced bronchospasm: prevents airway narrowing during or after physical activity in susceptible individuals.

• Montelukast selectively blocks the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor CysLT1, preventing leukotrienes D4, E4 and F4 from binding. This inhibition reduces bronchoconstriction, mucus secretion, vascular permeability, and inflammatory cell recruitment in the airways, thereby improving respiratory function and decreasing allergic inflammation.

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

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate head discomfort.
• Upper respiratory tract infection: symptoms such as sore throat or nasal congestion.
• Abdominal pain: discomfort in the stomach area.
• Cough: occasional dry cough.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Allergic reactions: rash, itching, swelling, or anaphylaxis.
• Neuropsychiatric events: agitation, depression, or suicidal thoughts.
• Liver enzyme elevation: abnormal liver function test results.

When prescribing Montelukast, clinicians should consider several safety and handling precautions.

• Pregnancy: use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk, as safety data are limited.
• Breastfeeding: monitor infant for possible effects, as the drug is excreted in milk