Montelukast Teva (Montelukast)

• Montelukast acts on leukotriene pathways to control inflammation in respiratory disorders.
• Asthma: improves control of chronic asthma symptoms and reduces frequency of exacerbations.
• Allergic rhinitis: alleviates nasal congestion, sneezing and itching caused by seasonal or perennial allergens.
• Exercise‑induced bronchospasm: prevents airway narrowing that occurs during or after physical activity.

• Montelukast selectively blocks the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor CysLT1 on airway smooth‑muscle cells, mast cells and eosinophils. By antagonizing this receptor, it inhibits the actions of leukotriene D4 and related mediators that cause bronchoconstriction, mucus secretion, vascular permeability and inflammatory cell recruitment, thereby reducing airway inflammation and hyper‑responsiveness. The effect is dose‑dependent and contributes to long‑term control of asthma and relief of allergic rhinitis symptoms.

Montelukast may cause a range of adverse reactions, which are categorized by frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate pain often reported during treatment.
• Abdominal pain: discomfort or cramps in the stomach area.
• Cough: transient irritation of the throat.
• Nausea: feeling of queasiness without vomiting.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Allergic reactions: including rash, angioedema or anaphylaxis.
• Mood changes: such as depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts.
• Severe skin reactions: including Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Before initiating Montelukast therapy, consider the following precautions to ensure safe use.

• Pregnancy: discuss potential risks and benefits with a healthcare professional.
• Breastfeeding: evaluate safety with the prescribing physician.
• Liver impairment: use with caution and monitor hepatic function.
• Concomitant phenobarbital: may reduce drug effectiveness, requiring clinical assessment.
• Known hypersensitivity: avoid use in patients with documented allergy to montelukast or excipients.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and light.

Montelukast can interact with other medicines, altering its effectiveness or safety profile.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Ritonavir: may increase montelukast plasma concentrations, raising risk of adverse effects.
• Phenobarbital: can lower montelukast levels, potentially reducing therapeutic benefit.
• Carbamazepine: may decrease drug exposure and compromise asthma control.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Fluconazole: may modestly raise montelukast concentrations, requiring observation.
• Erythromycin: can increase drug levels, warranting clinical monitoring.
• Warfarin: monitor INR as montelukast may affect anticoagulant response.