Montelukast Torrent Pharma (Uk) (Montelukast Sodium)

Montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, is used to treat conditions mediated by cysteinyl leukotrienes.

• Asthma: improves control of persistent asthma and reduces the frequency of exacerbations.
• Exercise‑induced bronchoconstriction: prevents narrowing of the airways during or after physical activity.
• Allergic rhinitis: alleviates nasal congestion, sneezing and itching caused by seasonal allergens.

• 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 respiratory function and decreasing allergic inflammation.

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

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate pain often resolving without intervention.
• Abdominal pain: discomfort in the stomach area, usually transient.
• Cough: occasional irritation of the throat.
• Nausea: feeling of queasiness, may be mild.
• Diarrhea: loose stools occurring sporadically.
• Fatigue: general sense of tiredness.

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 reactions.
• Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis: rare vasculitic disorder.
• Blood dyscrasias: uncommon blood cell abnormalities.

Before prescribing Montelukast, clinicians should consider several safety aspects.

• Assess asthma control before initiating: ensure the patient is on appropriate inhaled therapy.
• Monitor for neuropsychiatric events: watch for mood changes or depression.
• Use with caution in hepatic impairment: adjust if needed.
• Avoid in patients with known hypersensitivity to montelukast or excipients.
• Pregnancy and lactation: discuss risk/benefit with the prescriber.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and heat.

Montelukast may interact with other medicines, affecting its efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Ritonavir: may increase montelukast plasma concentrations.
• Phenobarbital: may reduce montelukast effectiveness.
• Carbamazepine: may lower montelukast exposure.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Fluconazole: may modestly increase montelukast levels.
• Warfarin: monitor INR as montelukast can affect metabolism.
• Theophylline: observe for additive bronchial effects.