Montelukast Teva (Montelukast Sodium)

Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used to manage chronic airway and allergic conditions.

• Asthma: improves control of persistent asthma and reduces the frequency of exacerbations.
• Exercise‑induced bronchoconstriction: prevents narrowing of airways triggered by physical activity.
• Allergic rhinitis: alleviates nasal congestion, sneezing and itchy eyes associated with seasonal allergies.

• Montelukast selectively blocks the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor CysLT1, preventing leukotrienes D4, E4 and related mediators from binding. This inhibition reduces bronchial smooth‑muscle contraction, vascular permeability and inflammatory cell recruitment, thereby decreasing airway narrowing and inflammation.

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

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate pain in the head.
• Abdominal pain: discomfort or cramps in the stomach area.
• Nausea: feeling of queasiness, sometimes leading to vomiting.
• Diarrhea: loose, watery stools.
• Cough: persistent dry cough.
• Sore throat: irritation or pain in the throat.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Allergic reactions: rash, angioedema or anaphylaxis requiring immediate medical attention.
• Neuropsychiatric events: mood changes, depression or suicidal thoughts.
• Liver enzyme elevation: abnormal liver function tests.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: severe skin blistering and mucosal involvement.
• Hematologic abnormalities: rare blood cell disorders.
• Severe bronchospasm: paradoxical worsening of breathing.

Before prescribing Montelukast, clinicians should consider several safety aspects.

• Neuropsychiatric monitoring: watch for mood changes, depression or suicidal ideation.
• Hepatic function: use with caution in patients with moderate to severe liver impairment.
• Acute asthma: not indicated for immediate relief of acute bronchospasm.
• Hypersensitivity: avoid in individuals with known allergy to Montelukast or any tablet excipients.
• Pregnancy and lactation: safety data are limited; assess risk‑benefit ratio.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

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

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Phenobarbital: induces hepatic enzymes, reducing Montelukast plasma levels.
• Rifampin: strong enzyme inducer that may lower therapeutic effect.
• Ketoconazole: potent CYP3A4 inhibitor that can increase Montelukast exposure.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Beta‑agonists (e.g., albuterol): additive bronchodilator effect, monitor for excessive bronchodilation.
• Aspirin and NSAIDs: may increase risk of bronchospasm in aspirin‑sensitive patients.
• Other leukotriene modifiers (e.g., zafirlukast): combined use may increase adverse‑event risk.