Montelukast Teva (Montelukast Sodium)

Montelukast Teva is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used in respiratory and allergic disorders.

• Asthma: improves control of chronic asthma and reduces the frequency of exacerbations.
• Exercise‑induced bronchoconstriction: prevents airway narrowing that occurs during physical activity.
• Allergic rhinitis: alleviates nasal congestion, sneezing and itching caused by seasonal allergies.

• Montelukast selectively blocks the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor CysLT1, preventing leukotrienes D4, C4 and E4 from binding. This inhibition reduces bronchoconstriction, vascular permeability and inflammatory cell recruitment in the airways, thereby improving airflow 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.
• Abdominal pain: discomfort or cramps in the stomach area.
• Nausea: feeling of queasiness or urge to vomit.
• Dizziness: sensation of light‑headedness or unsteadiness.
• Fatigue: unusual tiredness or lack of energy.
• Cough: transient irritation of the throat.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Allergic reactions: rash, angioedema or anaphylaxis.
• Neuropsychiatric events: mood changes, depression or suicidal thoughts.
• Hepatic enzyme elevation: abnormal liver function tests.
• Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis: rare vasculitic disorder.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: severe skin and mucous membrane reaction.
• Blood dyscrasias: rare cases of neutropenia or thrombocytopenia.

Before initiating therapy, clinicians should consider several safety aspects.

• Liver function assessment: evaluate hepatic status, especially in patients with known liver disease.
• Neuropsychiatric monitoring: watch for mood changes, depression or suicidal ideation.
• Hypersensitivity: avoid in individuals with known allergy to montelukast or any tablet excipients.
• Pediatric dosing: follow age‑specific recommendations provided by the prescriber.
• Drug interactions: review concomitant medications that may affect montelukast metabolism.
• Store at below 25°C: keep in the original packaging, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Montelukast may interact with other medicines that influence its metabolism or pharmacodynamic profile.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole): may increase montelukast plasma concentrations.
• Rifampin or other potent CYP inducers: may markedly reduce therapeutic effect.
• Phenobarbital: can lower montelukast levels, compromising efficacy.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Warfarin: occasional reports of altered INR; monitor coagulation parameters.
• Phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine: may increase risk of cardiovascular side effects.
• Theophylline: monitor for additive bronchospastic effects.
• Antidepressants (SSRIs): observe for enhanced neuropsychiatric symptoms.