Montelukast Teva (Montelukast Sodium)

Montelukast acts on the leukotriene pathway to control airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction.

• Asthma: reduces the frequency of asthma attacks and improves long‑term control.
• Allergic rhinitis: alleviates nasal congestion, sneezing and itching associated with seasonal allergies.
• Exercise‑induced bronchoconstriction: prevents airway narrowing during physical activity, allowing better exercise tolerance.

• Montelukast selectively antagonizes the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor CysLT1, blocking the action of leukotriene D4. By inhibiting this receptor, it 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 pain in the head region.
• Abdominal pain: discomfort or cramping in the stomach area.
• Cough: occasional dry or productive cough.
• Nausea: feeling of queasiness or urge to vomit.
• Diarrhea: loose or watery stools.
• Dizziness: sensation of light‑headedness or unsteadiness.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Allergic reactions: rash, angioedema or anaphylaxis requiring immediate medical attention.
• Neuropsychiatric events: mood changes, depression or suicidal thoughts.
• Hepatic enzyme elevation: abnormal liver function tests.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: severe skin blistering and mucosal involvement.
• Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis: rare vasculitic disorder affecting multiple organs.

Before initiating therapy, consider the following safety measures.

• Assess asthma control: ensure baseline control before adding Montelukast.
• Monitor neuropsychiatric symptoms: watch for mood changes or suicidal ideation.
• Use caution in hepatic impairment: dose adjustment may be needed.
• Review concomitant medications: evaluate for potential drug interactions.
• Avoid in patients with known hypersensitivity to Montelukast or any tablet excipients.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Montelukast may interact with other medicines; consider the following.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole): may increase Montelukast plasma levels.
• Enzyme inducers (e.g., phenobarbital, rifampicin): may reduce Montelukast effectiveness.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Warfarin: Montelukast can potentiate anticoagulant effect, requiring INR monitoring.
• Theophylline: additive bronchodilator effect may increase risk of side effects.
• Beta‑agonists: concurrent use may enhance bronchodilation; monitor respiratory response.