Montelukast Aurobindo (Montelukast)

Montelukast acts on the leukotriene pathway to control chronic respiratory conditions.

• Asthma: provides maintenance therapy that reduces bronchoconstriction and inflammation, helping to prevent exacerbations.
• Allergic rhinitis: alleviates nasal congestion, sneezing and itching caused by seasonal or perennial allergens.
• Exercise‑induced bronchoconstriction: helps prevent airway narrowing that occurs during physical activity.

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

Adverse reactions may vary in frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate pain often reported.
• Abdominal pain: discomfort or cramps in the stomach area.
• Cough: occasional irritation of the throat.
• Nausea: feeling of sickness or urge to vomit.
• Dizziness: transient light‑headedness.
• Fatigue: unusual tiredness.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Allergic reactions: rash, angioedema, or anaphylaxis.
• Neuropsychiatric events: depression, mood changes, or suicidal thoughts.
• Hepatic enzyme elevations: abnormal liver function tests.
• Hematologic effects: neutropenia or eosinophilia.
• Severe skin reactions: Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
• Respiratory distress: worsening asthma or bronchospasm.

Montelukast should be used with attention to specific safety considerations.

• Assess asthma control: ensure baseline control before initiating therapy.
• Monitor neuropsychiatric symptoms: watch for mood changes or depression.
• Use caution in hepatic impairment: dose adjustment may be needed.
• Avoid in known hypersensitivity: discontinue if allergic reaction occurs.
• Review concomitant drugs: consider interactions with strong enzyme inducers.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original packaging, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Montelukast may interact with other medicines that affect its metabolism or leukotriene pathways.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Rifampin: strong CYP inducer that markedly reduces montelukast exposure.
• Phenobarbital: enzyme inducer leading to decreased efficacy.
• Phenytoin: hepatic inducer that can lower drug levels.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Ketoconazole: CYP3A4 inhibitor may increase montelukast concentrations.
• Fluconazole: moderate CYP inhibition requiring observation.
• Erythromycin: potential to raise plasma levels modestly.
• Antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine): may affect neuropsychiatric risk profile.