Montelukast is a prescription medication used to manage several chronic respiratory and allergic conditions. It is most commonly known by its brand name, Singulair®, and belongs to a class of drugs called leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs). Instead of treating symptoms as they occur, montelukast is taken daily to prevent them, offering long-term control over inflammation in the airways.
The Function of Montelukast: Blocking Leukotrienes
Montelukast works by blocking the action of leukotrienes, which are inflammatory chemicals the body releases when exposed to an allergen or other trigger. By binding to the leukotriene receptors, montelukast stops these chemicals from causing the swelling and tightening of the airways, which makes it easier to breathe.
This mechanism of action is why montelukast is a preventative or maintenance therapy, not a "rescue" drug for an acute asthma attack. For that purpose, a short-acting inhaler is necessary.
What is the use of montelukast Tablet?
The FDA-approved uses for montelukast tablets cover a range of conditions that benefit from its anti-inflammatory effects.
- Chronic Asthma Management: Montelukast is used to prevent the wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness associated with chronic asthma. It is part of a long-term treatment plan and should be taken even when symptoms are not present. This is not a treatment for sudden asthma attacks.
- Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB): For individuals who experience breathing difficulties during exercise, montelukast can be taken to prevent these symptoms. The medication should be taken as directed by a healthcare professional to be effective before exercise. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions regarding additional doses if you are already on a daily montelukast regimen.
- Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Montelukast is approved to relieve the symptoms of both seasonal (occurring at certain times of the year) and perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, and itching. For this purpose, it is often reserved for patients who cannot tolerate or do not respond adequately to other allergy medicines.
Important Considerations for Montelukast
Administration
Montelukast is available in tablets, chewable tablets, and oral granules for various age groups. It is important to follow the specific administration instructions provided by your healthcare provider or on the medication packaging.
Key Administration Tips:
- Take consistently at the same time each day for best results.
- Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding the frequency of administration.
Potential Side Effects and Warnings
The FDA has issued a Boxed Warning for montelukast regarding the risk of serious neuropsychiatric events, which can be life-threatening. It is crucial for patients and caregivers to be aware of and monitor for the following changes:
- Mood and Behavior Changes: Agitation, aggression, anxiety, depression, hallucinations, irritability, and suicidal thoughts or actions.
- Sleep Disturbances: Nightmares, sleepwalking, and trouble sleeping.
- Other Potential Side Effects: Headache, stomach pain, dizziness, fatigue, and a mild rash are also possible side effects.
Because of the potential for these side effects, montelukast is often reserved for allergic rhinitis only when other treatments are inadequate.
Montelukast vs. Other Treatments
| Feature | Montelukast | Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Blocks leukotriene receptors to reduce inflammation. | Directly reduces inflammation in the lungs. |
| Use Case | Long-term control for mild-to-moderate persistent asthma; prevents EIB; treats allergic rhinitis. | First-line treatment for most people with persistent asthma due to higher efficacy. |
| Efficacy | Less effective than ICS in preventing asthma exacerbations, especially in children with moderate-to-severe asthma. | Generally more effective at controlling asthma symptoms and reducing exacerbations. |
| Route | Oral tablet, chewable tablet, or granules. | Inhaled directly into the lungs. |
| Side Effects | Risk of neuropsychiatric events (mood/behavior changes) and other side effects. | Lower risk of systemic side effects, though concerns like growth rate impact in children have been noted. |
| Role in Therapy | Often used as an alternative or add-on therapy, or for patients with co-existing allergic rhinitis. | Gold standard for maintenance therapy in asthma. |
Conclusion
In summary, what is the use of montelukast Tablet? It is an important long-term, preventative medication for managing chronic asthma, preventing exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, and treating allergic rhinitis. It works by blocking inflammatory leukotrienes and must be taken consistently, not as a rescue inhaler. While generally well-tolerated, it is crucial to be aware of the serious risk of neuropsychiatric side effects, including mood and behavior changes. Patients should always discuss the benefits and risks with their healthcare provider to determine if montelukast is the right choice for their specific condition, particularly in cases of mild allergic rhinitis.
For more detailed information, consult the MedlinePlus drug information page on Montelukast.
