What Do Montelukast Pills Look Like? A Visual Guide to Identification

October 8, 2025 •

3 min read

In the United States, allergic rhinitis (hay fever) affects 10-30% of adults, and millions are prescribed medications like montelukast [1.9.5]. Knowing what montelukast pills look like is key for safe and accurate use. This guide details the appearance of different dosages.

Quick Summary

This reference describes the visual characteristics of montelukast pills, including the brand name Singulair and its generics. It covers the various shapes, colors, and imprints for the 10mg, 5mg, and 4mg dosages.

Key Points

10mg Tablets: Typically beige, rounded-square (brand) or square/round (generic) for adults [1.3.1, 1.4.1, 1.4.2].
5mg Chewables: Usually pink and round (brand and generic) for children 6-14 [1.5.4, 1.5.1].
4mg Chewables: Generally pink and oval (brand and generic) for children 2-5 [1.5.4, 1.5.1].
4mg Granules: Are a white powder in a foil packet for children 6 months to 5 years [1.3.1].
Brand vs. Generic: Brand name Singulair has consistent markings ("MRK" plus a number), while generics have diverse imprints [1.3.1, 1.4.1, 1.5.2].
Appearance Varies: Color, shape, and markings differ significantly among generic manufacturers [1.2.2, 1.2.3, 1.2.4].
FDA Boxed Warning: Montelukast has a serious warning for potential neuropsychiatric side effects, like mood or behavior changes [1.8.1].

Important Disclaimer

Always confirm your medication with a licensed pharmacist or healthcare provider. This guide is for informational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Pill appearance can vary significantly between manufacturers.

Understanding Montelukast and Its Forms

Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used to manage asthma and relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis [1.7.5]. It works by blocking substances called leukotrienes, which cause inflammation and narrowing of the airways [1.7.2]. It is available as a standard film-coated tablet, a chewable tablet, and oral granules [1.6.1]. The brand name for montelukast is Singulair, but many generic versions are available, leading to a wide variety of appearances [1.7.5, 1.3.1].

Visual Identification Guide: Montelukast Dosages

The appearance of montelukast pills is specific to the dosage and the manufacturer (brand or generic).

Montelukast 10 mg Film-Coated Tablets (For Adults and Teens 15+)

This is the standard dosage for adults [1.3.3].

Brand Name (Singulair® 10 mg): A beige, rounded square-shaped tablet. It is marked with "SINGULAIR" on one side and "MRK 117" on the other [1.3.1].
Generic Versions (10 mg): The appearance varies widely. Common characteristics include:
- Shape: Often rounded square, four-sided, or round [1.4.1, 1.4.2, 1.4.3].
- Color: Typically beige, light brown, or pale yellow [1.4.1, 1.2.4, 1.4.2].
- Imprints: Imprints are manufacturer-specific and can include combinations like "M 10", "X 54", "U 220", "SZ 344", or "1081 10MG" [1.4.1, 1.2.3, 1.4.2, 1.2.4, 1.2.5].

Montelukast 5 mg Chewable Tablets (For Children 6-14)

This dosage is intended for older children and must be chewed [1.3.3].

Brand Name (Singulair® 5 mg): A pink, round, bi-convex tablet. It is marked with "SINGULAIR" on one side and "MRK 275" on the other [1.5.4].
Generic Versions (5 mg):
- Shape: Almost always round [1.5.1, 1.5.3].
- Color: Typically pink or light yellow, sometimes with mottling (speckles) [1.5.1, 1.2.1].
- Imprints: Common imprints include "X 53", "U 222", "1080 5 MG", or "I 113" [1.5.1, 1.2.2, 1.5.5, 1.5.6].

Montelukast 4 mg Chewable Tablets & Oral Granules (For Children 6 months-5 years)

This is the dosage for young children, available as a chewable tablet (for ages 2-5) or oral granules (for ages 6 months-5 years) [1.6.1, 1.3.3].

Brand Name (Singulair® 4 mg Chewable): A pink, oval, bi-convex tablet. It is marked with "SINGULAIR" on one side and "MRK 711" on the other [1.5.4].
Generic Versions (4 mg Chewable):
- Shape: Usually oval [1.5.1, 1.5.3].
- Color: Typically pink, sometimes with mottling [1.5.1].
- Imprints: Common imprints include "X 52", "I 112", or "1079 4 MG" [1.5.2, 1.5.3].
Oral Granules (4 mg): Both brand and generic versions are a white or off-white granular powder packaged in a small, child-resistant foil packet (sachet) [1.3.1, 1.6.4]. The granules can be administered directly into the child's mouth or mixed with a spoonful of specific cold, soft foods like applesauce, ice cream, or mashed carrots. They should not be mixed with liquids [1.6.1, 1.6.2].

Comparison Table of Montelukast Forms


Dosage	Form	Target Age Group	Brand (Singulair) Appearance	Common Generic Appearance
10 mg	Film-Coated Tablet	15+ years	Beige, rounded square; "MRK 117" [1.3.1]	Beige/yellow, square or round; various imprints [1.4.1, 1.4.2, 1.4.3]
5 mg	Chewable Tablet	6-14 years	Pink, round; "MRK 275" [1.5.4]	Pink/yellow, round; various imprints [1.5.1, 1.2.1, 1.2.2]
4 mg	Chewable Tablet	2-5 years	Pink, oval; "MRK 711" [1.5.4]	Pink, oval; various imprints [1.5.1, 1.5.2]
4 mg	Oral Granules	6 months-5 years	White granules in a foil packet [1.3.1]	White/off-white granules in a foil packet [1.6.4]

Important Safety Information: FDA Boxed Warning

It is critical to be aware that the FDA has issued a Boxed Warning, its most serious warning, for montelukast due to the risk of serious neuropsychiatric events [1.8.1]. These can include agitation, depression, sleep disturbances, and suicidal thoughts or actions [1.8.1]. This warning highlights that for some patients, particularly those with mild allergic rhinitis, the risks may outweigh the benefits [1.8.1]. Patients and caregivers should immediately contact a healthcare professional if they observe any behavioral or mood changes [1.8.2].

Conclusion

Identifying montelukast pills requires attention to dosage, form (tablet or chewable), color, shape, and unique imprints. Brand-name Singulair has a consistent appearance, while generics vary significantly. Due to these variations and the critical safety warnings associated with this medication, it is essential to rely on a pharmacist for accurate pill identification and to discuss all risks and benefits with your doctor.

Authoritative Link: For detailed prescribing information and images, you can visit the DailyMed database from the National Library of Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

The brand name Singulair 10 mg is a beige, rounded-square tablet with "MRK 117" on it [1.3.1]. Generics are often beige or yellow, but can be square or round with various imprints like "M 10" or "U 220" [1.4.1, 1.4.2].

Most 5 mg chewable montelukast tablets, including brand-name Singulair and many generics, are pink and round [1.5.4, 1.5.3]. However, some generics might be a different color, like light yellow, so it's important to check the imprint [1.2.1].

Generic drug manufacturers must use the same active ingredient but are not required to use the same shape, color, or imprints as the brand-name drug [1.2.3]. Different generic companies also have their own unique pill designs.

The numbers and letters are imprints used by manufacturers to identify the drug, its strength, and the company that made it. For example, Singulair uses "MRK" followed by a number (e.g., "117" for 10mg) [1.3.1]. Generic imprints vary widely (e.g., "X 54", "I 112") [1.2.3, 1.5.2].

The 4mg chewable tablet is a solid, typically pink, oval pill for children aged 2-5 [1.5.4]. The 4mg oral granules are a white powder in a packet intended for children aged 6 months to 5 years, which can be mixed with soft, cold food [1.6.1, 1.6.4].

The FDA issued a Boxed Warning, its most serious type, for montelukast due to risks of serious mental health side effects. These can include agitation, depression, sleep problems, and suicidal thoughts or actions. Patients should report any mood or behavior changes to their doctor immediately [1.8.1, 1.8.2].

The 4mg granules should be administered within 15 minutes of opening the packet. They can be given directly on the tongue or mixed with a spoonful of cold, soft food like applesauce or ice cream. They should not be dissolved in liquid [1.6.1, 1.6.2].