MONTAIR 5MG

# MONTELUKAST 5 MG ## SHORT DESCRIPTION **Montelukast 5 mg** is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used primarily to help control **asthma** and to relieve symptoms of **seasonal allergic rhinitis** in appropriate patients. The 5 mg strength is commonly formulated as a **chewable tablet for children**, with the exact age range depending on the product and local labeling. Montelukast works by blocking leukotriene receptors, substances involved in airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and allergy symptoms. > **Important:** Montelukast is **not a rescue medicine for sudden asthma attacks**. A fast-acting reliever inhaler should be used for an acute asthma attack as prescribed. --- ## KEY BENEFITS * Helps control symptoms associated with **asthma**. * Helps prevent **asthma symptoms and airway narrowing** in appropriate patients. * May help prevent **exercise-induced bronchoconstriction**. * Helps relieve symptoms of **seasonal allergic rhinitis**. * Reduces leukotriene-related airway inflammation. * May help reduce nighttime asthma symptoms in some patients. * The 5 mg chewable formulation can be convenient for children who have difficulty swallowing tablets. --- ## USES / INDICATIONS ### 1. Asthma Montelukast may be used as part of a long-term asthma management plan to help: * Control asthma symptoms * Reduce airway inflammation * Prevent bronchoconstriction * Reduce nighttime symptoms * Improve overall asthma control ### 2. Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction Montelukast may be prescribed to help prevent **exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB)** in appropriate patients. ### 3. Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis Montelukast may relieve symptoms such as: * Sneezing * Runny nose * Nasal congestion * Itchy nose * Seasonal allergy-related symptoms For allergic rhinitis, healthcare professionals generally consider montelukast when other treatments are ineffective or not tolerated, because of the potential for serious neuropsychiatric adverse effects. --- ## HOW IT WORKS Montelukast blocks **cysteinyl leukotriene type 1 (CysLT1) receptors**. Leukotrienes are inflammatory substances involved in: * Airway narrowing * Airway swelling * Mucus production * Allergy symptoms By blocking these receptors, montelukast helps: **Block leukotrienes → reduce airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction → improve asthma/allergy symptoms.** Montelukast is **not a corticosteroid** and does not provide immediate relief during an acute asthma attack. --- ## DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION ### Montelukast 5 mg The **5 mg chewable tablet** is commonly used in children **6–14 years of age**, although the approved age range can vary by country and product. A commonly used regimen is: * **5 mg once daily** For asthma, it is commonly taken in the **evening**. For seasonal allergic rhinitis, the timing may be individualized according to the patient's symptoms and healthcare professional's instructions. ### How to Take * Follow the prescribed dose exactly. * Chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing. * Do not swallow the chewable tablet whole unless the product instructions specifically allow it. * Take it at approximately the same time each day. * It may generally be taken with or without food, according to product instructions. ### Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction A healthcare professional should provide specific instructions when montelukast is being used for prevention of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. **Do not take additional doses within the same 24-hour period unless specifically instructed.** ### Missed Dose If a dose is missed, take the next scheduled dose as usual. **Do not take two doses at the same time.** --- ## SIDE EFFECTS ### Common Side Effects Possible side effects include: * Headache * Abdominal pain * Sore throat * Cough * Fever * Diarrhea * Nausea * Fatigue ### Neuropsychiatric Effects Montelukast has been associated with **serious neuropsychiatric reactions** in some patients. Possible symptoms include: * Agitation * Irritability * Anxiety * Aggressive behavior * Depression * Sleep disturbances * Nightmares * Abnormal dreams * Hallucinations * Mood changes * Suicidal thoughts or behavior These effects can occur in children and adults. **Contact a healthcare professional promptly if new or worsening behavioral or mood changes occur.** Seek emergency medical attention for suicidal behavior or an immediate danger to yourself or others. ### Allergic Reactions Rarely, serious allergic reactions may occur, including: * Facial swelling * Swelling of the lips or tongue * Difficulty breathing * Hives Seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms occur. --- ## PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS ### Important Neuropsychiatric Warning Montelukast can cause **serious changes in mood, behavior, sleep, or thinking**. Patients and caregivers should watch for: * New nightmares * Sleep problems * Anxiety * Depression * Irritability * Aggression * Unusual behavior * Suicidal thoughts or behavior Contact a healthcare professional immediately if these symptoms develop. Because of this risk, montelukast is generally **not the first-choice medicine for mild allergic rhinitis** when alternative treatments are appropriate. ### Not a Rescue Medicine Montelukast does **not provide rapid relief during an acute asthma attack**. Patients with asthma should have an appropriate rescue medicine, such as a short-acting bronchodilator, as prescribed. ### Do Not Abruptly Replace Inhaled Steroids Do not stop or reduce inhaled or systemic corticosteroids and replace them with montelukast without medical supervision. ### Aspirin-Sensitive Asthma Montelukast may be useful in some patients with aspirin-sensitive asthma, but it does not make aspirin or NSAID use safe. Avoid triggering medicines according to medical advice. ### Liver Disease Tell your healthcare professional if you have liver disease. ### Pregnancy Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy before using montelukast. ### Breastfeeding Discuss montelukast use with your healthcare professional if you are breastfeeding. ### Children The **5 mg chewable formulation is generally intended for children in a specific age range**, commonly 6–14 years. Use the strength appropriate for the child's age and prescribed treatment. --- ## DRUG INTERACTIONS Montelukast generally has relatively few clinically significant drug interactions. However, tell your healthcare professional about all medicines you take, including: * Prescription medicines * OTC medicines * Vitamins * Herbal supplements ### Phenobarbital Phenobarbital may reduce montelukast concentrations and potentially reduce its effectiveness. ### Rifampicin Rifampicin may also reduce montelukast exposure. ### Other Asthma Medicines Montelukast can generally be used with other asthma medicines when prescribed, including: * Inhaled corticosteroids * Bronchodilators * Other controller medicines Do not change or discontinue other asthma medicines without medical advice. --- ## STORAGE INFORMATION * Store Montelukast 5 mg according to the manufacturer's instructions. * Keep tablets in the original packaging. * Protect from moisture and excessive heat. * Keep away from direct sunlight. * Keep out of reach and sight of children. * Keep the container tightly closed where applicable. * Do not use after the expiry date. * Do not use tablets if the packaging is damaged or appears tampered with. --- ## PRESCRIPTION STATUS **Prescription Medicine** Montelukast 5 mg is generally a **prescription medicine**, although availability and regulatory status may vary between countries. Because of the potential for serious neuropsychiatric adverse effects, its use should be discussed carefully with a healthcare professional, particularly when being considered for allergic rhinitis. --- ## GENUINE MEDICINE ASSURANCE For safe treatment, purchase **Montelukast 5 mg** only from a licensed pharmacy or authorized medicine supplier. Before use, verify: * Product name and strength * Active ingredient * Dosage form * Manufacturer * Batch/lot number * Manufacturing and expiry dates * Packaging and seal integrity * Regulatory information where applicable Do not use the medicine if it is: * Expired * Damaged * Tampered with * Missing batch or expiry information * Unusual in appearance If you are uncertain about the authenticity of the product, consult a licensed pharmacist or the appropriate medicine regulatory authority. --- # FAQ – MONTELUKAST 5 MG ### 1. What is Montelukast 5 mg used for? Montelukast 5 mg is primarily used to help control **asthma** and may be used for **seasonal allergic rhinitis** and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in appropriate patients. ### 2. Is Montelukast 5 mg a steroid? No. Montelukast is **not a steroid**. It is a leukotriene receptor antagonist. ### 3. What age is Montelukast 5 mg for? The 5 mg chewable tablet is commonly used for children **6–14 years old**, but age recommendations may vary according to the specific product and local regulations. ### 4. Can Montelukast 5 mg be used for asthma? Yes. Montelukast can be used as part of a long-term asthma treatment plan for appropriate patients. ### 5. Is Montelukast a rescue medicine for asthma attacks? **No.** Montelukast does not provide immediate relief during an acute asthma attack. A prescribed fast-acting rescue inhaler should be used for sudden breathing symptoms. ### 6. Can Montelukast 5 mg treat allergies? Yes. Montelukast can help relieve symptoms of **seasonal allergic rhinitis**, but because of potential neuropsychiatric side effects, it is generally reserved for patients for whom alternative treatments are not suitable or effective. ### 7. Does Montelukast help with allergic rhinitis? Yes. It can help reduce allergy symptoms such as **nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and itching**. ### 8. When should Montelukast 5 mg be taken? For asthma, it is commonly taken **once daily in the evening**. Follow your doctor's instructions for your specific condition. ### 9. Should Montelukast 5 mg be taken with food? Montelukast chewable tablets can generally be taken with or without food, but follow the instructions provided with your specific product. ### 10. Should Montelukast 5 mg be chewed? Yes. A 5 mg chewable tablet should generally be **chewed before swallowing**. ### 11. Can Montelukast cause nightmares? Yes. **Nightmares and other sleep disturbances** have been reported as neuropsychiatric side effects. ### 12. Can Montelukast cause depression? Depression and other mood or behavioral changes have been reported. Contact a healthcare professional if new or worsening depression or other unusual behavior occurs. ### 13. Can Montelukast cause suicidal thoughts? Rarely, serious neuropsychiatric events including **suicidal thoughts or behavior** have been reported. Seek immediate professional help if suicidal thoughts or behavior occur. ### 14. Does Montelukast make you sleepy? Drowsiness is not among its most characteristic effects, but individual responses vary. Unusual sleep changes should be discussed with a healthcare professional. ### 15. Can Montelukast be taken with an inhaler? Yes. Montelukast may be prescribed alongside inhaled asthma medicines, including inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators. ### 16. Can Montelukast replace an inhaled corticosteroid? No. Montelukast should not be used to replace an inhaled corticosteroid unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional. ### 17. Can Montelukast prevent exercise-induced breathing problems? Yes. Montelukast may help prevent **exercise-induced bronchoconstriction** in appropriate patients. ### 18. What happens if I miss a dose of Montelukast? Take the next scheduled dose as usual. **Do not take an extra dose to compensate for the missed dose.** ### 19. Can Montelukast be taken during pregnancy? Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. Your doctor can determine whether montelukast is appropriate for you. ### 20. Can Montelukast be used while breastfeeding? Discuss treatment with your healthcare professional before using montelukast while breastfeeding. ### 21. Can Montelukast be taken every day? Yes. When prescribed for asthma, montelukast is commonly taken **once daily** as a controller medicine. ### 22. Does Montelukast cure asthma? No. Montelukast helps **control asthma symptoms and prevent airway narrowing**, but it does not permanently cure asthma. ### 23. How long does Montelukast take to work? Montelukast can begin affecting leukotriene activity relatively quickly, but the clinical benefit varies according to the condition and individual patient. ### 24. Is Montelukast 5 mg available without a prescription? Montelukast is generally a **prescription medicine**, although regulatory status can vary by country. ### 25. What should I do if my child's behavior changes while taking Montelukast? Contact the child's healthcare professional promptly if you notice **new nightmares, aggression, anxiety, depression, unusual behavior, sleep disturbances, or suicidal thoughts**. Do not ignore significant behavioral changes. --- ## MEDICAL DISCLAIMER This information about **Montelukast 5 mg** is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is **not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment**. Montelukast should be used only according to the instructions of a qualified healthcare professional. It is **not a rescue medicine for sudden asthma attacks** and should not replace prescribed emergency or controller inhalers without medical advice. Montelukast carries an important warning regarding **serious neuropsychiatric events**, including changes in mood, behavior, sleep, and suicidal thoughts or behavior. Patients and caregivers should promptly report concerning changes to a healthcare professional. **Always read the product label/package insert and follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist.**