Montelukast Teva (Montelukast)

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

• Asthma: improves lung function and reduces the frequency of asthma attacks when used as maintenance therapy.
• Allergic rhinitis: alleviates nasal congestion, sneezing, itching and rhinorrhea.
• Exercise‑induced bronchoconstriction: prevents bronchospasm triggered by physical activity.

• Montelukast selectively blocks the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor CysLT1, preventing leukotriene D4 and related mediators from binding. This inhibition reduces bronchial smooth‑muscle contraction, vascular permeability, mucus secretion, and inflammatory cell recruitment in the airways, thereby improving respiratory function and decreasing allergic inflammation.

Adverse reactions may occur with montelukast use.

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate intensity, often transient.
• Abdominal pain: discomfort in the stomach region, usually self‑limiting.
• Nausea: feeling of queasiness, may resolve without intervention.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Angioedema: swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat requiring urgent care.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: severe skin reaction with blistering and mucosal involvement.
• Mood changes or suicidal thoughts: new or worsening psychiatric symptoms that need immediate evaluation.

Before prescribing montelukast, clinicians should consider several safety aspects.

• Monitor liver function: assess baseline enzymes and watch for elevations during therapy.
• Assess neuropsychiatric status: inquire about mood changes, depression, or suicidal ideation.
• Use caution in severe hepatic impairment: dosage adjustment may be required.
• Avoid in patients with known hypersensitivity to montelukast or any tablet excipients.
• Review concomitant medications for potential interactions that could alter efficacy.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and light.

Montelukast may interact with other medicines, affecting its concentration or therapeutic effect.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Ritonavir: can increase montelukast plasma levels, raising the risk of adverse effects.
• Ketoconazole: may elevate systemic exposure, potentially leading to toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin: enzyme inducers that may reduce montelukast effectiveness.
• Fluconazole: moderate inhibitor that can raise montelukast concentrations.
• Warfarin: may require closer INR monitoring due to possible pharmacodynamic changes.