Montelukast Aurovitas (Montelukast)

Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that addresses inflammatory airway conditions.

• Asthma: improves control of chronic asthma and reduces the frequency of exacerbations.
• Allergic rhinitis: alleviates nasal congestion, sneezing and itching caused by seasonal or perennial allergies.
• Exercise‑induced bronchoconstriction: prevents airway narrowing that occurs during or after physical activity.

• Montelukast selectively blocks the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor CysLT1, preventing leukotrienes from binding and triggering bronchoconstriction, mucus secretion, and inflammatory cell recruitment in the airways. By inhibiting this pathway, it reduces airway edema and hyperresponsiveness 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 region.
• Abdominal pain: discomfort or cramping in the stomach area.
• Cough: occasional irritation of the throat.
• Dyspepsia: indigestion or feeling of fullness.
• Nausea: sensation of needing to vomit.
• Dizziness: transient light‑headedness.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Allergic reactions: rash, angioedema, or anaphylaxis.
• Neuropsychiatric events: mood changes, depression, or suicidal thoughts.
• Hepatic enzyme elevations: abnormal liver function tests.
• Neutropenia: reduced white blood cell count.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: severe skin blistering.
• Severe respiratory distress: unexpected worsening of breathing.

Before prescribing Montelukast, clinicians should consider several safety aspects.

• Pregnancy: safety category is unknown; use only if the potential benefit justifies the risk.
• Breastfeeding: unknown excretion in milk; weigh benefits against possible infant exposure.
• Pediatric use: follow age‑specific dosing recommendations provided by the prescriber.
• Neuropsychiatric monitoring: observe patients for mood changes or behavioral disturbances.
• Hypersensitivity: discontinue if an allergic reaction occurs.
• Store at below 25°C: keep in the original packaging, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Montelukast may interact with other medicines, affecting its efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin): may reduce montelukast plasma levels.
• Phenobarbital: may significantly lower therapeutic effect.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Fluconazole: potential increase in montelukast exposure.
• Erythromycin: may modestly raise drug concentrations.
• Warfarin: monitor INR as montelukast could affect anticoagulation.
• Oral contraceptives: possible reduction in contraceptive effectiveness.