Montelukast

Montelukast is a type of medication known as a leukotriene receptor antagonist. Leukotriene receptor antagonists block the action of leukotrienes, inflammatory chemicals the body releases during an allergic reaction. The release of leukotrienes leads to a number of symptoms including nasal congestion. Montelukast helps stop these symptoms from happening.

How does montelukast differ from Singulair? Montelukast is the generic form of the brand name medication, Singulair. The two medications are considered equivalent. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that generic drugs demonstrate bioequivalence to the brand name drug, which means they act the same way in the body and are expected to produce the same effects as the original brand name drug.

Montelukast works by blocking cysteinyl leukotriene receptors, which can be activated by the chemical leukotriene D4. When the body is exposed to an allergen, immune cells (including mast cells and basophils) release leukotriene D4. Since montelukast blocks leukotriene D4 from activating the cysteinyl leukotriene receptors, the symptoms that are typically caused by leukotriene D4 are lessened.

Montelukast is an oral medication that should be taken by mouth once daily in the evening. If possible, try to take the medication at the same time each day.

What if you miss a dose? If you accidentally miss a dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal schedule the following day when your next dose is due. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours.

What if you take more than you are prescribed? Taking extra doses of montelukast in a 24-hour period may result in abdominal pain, vomiting, difficulty sleeping, headache, thirst, and restlessness. There is no specific treatment for a montelukast overdose. If you are experiencing symptoms, contact poison control and a healthcare provider immediately.

While overdose is possible, death is unlikely to occur from taking an extra daily dose by accident. In tests done on mice, the maximum non-lethal dose of montelukast was approximately 335 times the daily dose in humans. In tests done on rats, the maximum non-lethal dose of montelukast was approximately 230 times the daily dose in humans.

With Ro, you can always be sure you are getting genuine medication. Ro dispenses drugs that are FDA approved and manufactured by pharmaceutical companies that adhere to the FDA’s manufacturing standards for finished drug products. In fact, you will likely find many of the same manufacturers we use in your local pharmacy.

Montelukast is generally well tolerated but may cause headaches.

Additional possible side effects include Churg-Strauss syndrome, vasculitis, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, pancreatitis, erythema nodosum, anaphylactoid reactions, angioedema, seizures, suicidal ideation, pyuria, atopic dermatitis, myopia, wheezing, gastritis, conjunctivitis, elevated hepatic enzymes, eosinophilia, hepatitis, edema, thrombocytopenia, palpitations, bleeding, depression, confusion, memory impairment, impulse control symptoms, hostility, dysphemia, hallucinations, urinary incontinence, dizziness, fatigue, asthenia, nasal congestion, nausea, dyspepsia, rash, vomiting, sinusitis, fever, laryngitis, pharyngitis, abdominal pain, headache, cough, urticaria, infection, diarrhea, rhinitis, rhinorrhea, epistaxis, influenza, myalgia, weight loss, pruritus, arthralgia, hypoesthesia, muscle cramps, drowsiness, paresthesias, ecchymosis, somnambulism, nightmares, abnormal dreams, tremor, anxiety, agitation, irritability, restlessness, and insomnia.