Montelukast Natrium Aurobindo (Montelukast)

Montelukast acts on the leukotriene pathway to control chronic airway inflammation and allergic symptoms.

• Asthma (maintenance therapy): reduces the frequency of symptoms, nighttime awakenings and exacerbations.
• Allergic rhinitis: alleviates nasal congestion, sneezing and itchy eyes caused by seasonal allergens.
• Exercise‑induced bronchoconstriction: prevents bronchospasm triggered by physical activity, improving exercise tolerance.

• 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.

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

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Upper respiratory tract infection: transient symptoms.
• Abdominal pain: occasional discomfort.
• Cough: non‑productive.
• Dyspepsia: mild indigestion.
• Fatigue: occasional tiredness.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Neuropsychiatric events: agitation, depression, or suicidal thoughts.
• Allergic reactions: rash, urticaria, or angioedema.
• Hepatotoxicity: elevated liver enzymes.
• Anaphylaxis: severe, rapid onset hypersensitivity.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: severe skin reaction.
• Blood dyscrasias: rare cases of neutropenia or eosinophilia.

Before initiating therapy, consider the following safety measures.

• Pregnancy: safety not established; discuss risks with a healthcare professional.
• Breastfeeding: assess benefit‑risk ratio before use.
• Hepatic impairment: use with caution; monitor liver function if indicated.
• Concomitant psychiatric conditions: monitor for mood changes.
• Pediatric use: dosage is weight‑based and prescribed by a clinician.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25°C, retain in original packaging, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Montelukast may interact with other medicines; review the following categories.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Phenobarbital: may reduce montelukast plasma concentrations.
• Rifampin: strong enzyme inducer that can lower efficacy.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs): potential for additive neuropsychiatric effects.
• Warfarin: monitor INR as rare reports suggest altered anticoagulation.
• Other leukotriene modifiers: avoid concurrent use due to overlapping mechanisms.