Montelukast Stada (Montelukast)

• Montelukast acts on the leukotriene pathway to manage respiratory allergic conditions.
• Asthma: reduces frequency and severity of asthma attacks and improves overall control.
• Allergic rhinitis: relieves nasal congestion, sneezing and itchy eyes associated with seasonal allergies.
• Exercise‑induced bronchoconstriction: prevents narrowing of airways triggered by 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, leading to improved airflow and decreased allergic inflammation.

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

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate pain often resolves without intervention.
• Abdominal pain: discomfort in the stomach area, usually transient.
• Cough: occasional irritation of the throat.
• Nausea: feeling of queasiness, may improve with food.
• Dizziness: light‑headed sensation, typically short‑lived.
• Fatigue: mild tiredness.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Allergic reactions: rash, angioedema or anaphylaxis requiring immediate care.
• Neuropsychiatric events: mood changes, depression or suicidal thoughts.
• Hepatic enzyme elevation: abnormal liver function tests.
• Severe skin reactions: Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
• Blood dyscrasias: neutropenia or eosinophilia.
• Bronchospasm: paradoxical worsening of breathing.

• Before prescribing Montelukast, clinicians should consider several safety aspects.
• Assess asthma control: ensure baseline control before adding therapy.
• Monitor neuropsychiatric symptoms: watch for mood changes or suicidal ideation.
• Use caution in hepatic impairment: dose adjustment may be needed.
• Avoid in patients with known hypersensitivity to montelukast or excipients.
• Consider drug interactions: review concomitant medications.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture.

Montelukast may interact with other medicines, requiring attention to the level of risk.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Ritonavir: strong CYP3A4 inhibition can raise montelukast concentrations.
• Ketoconazole: potent CYP3A4 inhibitor may increase exposure.
• Phenobarbital: CYP inducer that can reduce therapeutic effect.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Warfarin: potential alteration of INR, monitor coagulation.
• Theophylline: additive bronchodilator effect, observe for excess stimulation.
• Beta‑agonists: combined bronchodilation may require dose adjustment.