MONTAIR-LC

# Levocetirizine 5 mg + Montelukast 10 mg ## SHORT DESCRIPTION Levocetirizine 5 mg + Montelukast 10 mg is a **combination medicine used to relieve allergy-related symptoms**, particularly allergic rhinitis. It combines an antihistamine with a leukotriene receptor antagonist to help reduce symptoms such as sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itching, and watery eyes. **Levocetirizine** helps block histamine, while **montelukast** blocks leukotriene receptors involved in allergic inflammation and airway narrowing. ## KEY BENEFITS * Helps relieve sneezing and runny nose * Helps reduce nasal and throat itching * May reduce watery or itchy eyes associated with allergies * Helps relieve nasal congestion associated with allergic rhinitis * Provides antihistamine and anti-leukotriene activity * May be useful for seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis * Convenient combination of two allergy medicines in one formulation ## USES / INDICATIONS Levocetirizine + Montelukast may be prescribed for: * **Allergic rhinitis** * Seasonal allergic rhinitis * Perennial allergic rhinitis * Sneezing and runny nose due to allergies * Nasal congestion associated with allergic conditions * Itchy or watery eyes associated with allergies Montelukast may also be prescribed separately for asthma or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, but this combination should **not be assumed to be an emergency asthma-relief medicine**. ## HOW IT WORKS ### Levocetirizine Levocetirizine is a **second-generation antihistamine**. It selectively blocks peripheral H1 histamine receptors, reducing allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes. ### Montelukast Montelukast is a **leukotriene receptor antagonist**. It blocks the action of leukotriene D4 at the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor (CysLT1). Leukotrienes contribute to nasal inflammation, swelling, mucus production, and airway narrowing. Blocking their action can help reduce allergy-related symptoms. ## DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION * Take Levocetirizine 5 mg + Montelukast 10 mg exactly as prescribed. * The usual adult/adolescent strength is **5 mg levocetirizine + 10 mg montelukast once daily**, but follow your doctor's specific instructions. * It may be taken with or without food. * Take the medicine at approximately the same time each day. * Swallow the tablet with water. * Do not take more than the prescribed dose. * If a dose is missed, take it when remembered unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Do not double the next dose. * This combination is not intended to provide immediate relief during a sudden asthma attack. * Do not discontinue prescribed asthma controller therapy without medical advice. ## SIDE EFFECTS Possible side effects include: * Headache * Drowsiness * Fatigue * Dry mouth * Dizziness * Abdominal discomfort * Nausea * Sore throat Montelukast has also been associated with **neuropsychiatric effects**, including: * Sleep disturbances or nightmares * Irritability * Anxiety * Agitation * Mood changes * Depression * Abnormal behavior * Suicidal thoughts or behavior, rarely Contact a healthcare professional promptly if significant mood or behavioral changes occur. ## PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS * Levocetirizine may cause drowsiness in some people. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you. * Avoid or limit alcohol because it may increase drowsiness. * Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease because levocetirizine dosing may need adjustment. * Inform your doctor about any history of depression, anxiety, sleep problems, or other mental-health symptoms before taking montelukast. * Monitor for unusual changes in mood, behavior, dreams, or sleep. * Montelukast should not be used as the sole treatment for an acute asthma attack. * Keep your prescribed rescue inhaler available if you have asthma. * Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. * Children should receive an age-appropriate formulation and dose. * Do not exceed the recommended dose. ## DRUG INTERACTIONS Potential interactions may include: * **Alcohol and other sedatives** — may increase drowsiness caused by levocetirizine. * Other antihistamines — may increase antihistamine-related side effects. * Sleeping medicines or sedatives — may increase central nervous system depression. * Certain medicines that affect liver enzymes may alter montelukast exposure. * Other prescription and over-the-counter medicines should be reviewed by a doctor or pharmacist before use. Always inform your healthcare professional about all medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you take. ## STORAGE INFORMATION * Store according to the manufacturer's instructions. * Keep at room temperature unless otherwise specified on the product label. * Protect from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. * Keep the tablets in their original packaging. * Keep the medicine tightly closed and protected from moisture. * Keep out of reach and sight of children. * Do not use after the expiry date. * Do not use tablets from damaged or improperly sealed packaging. ## PRESCRIPTION STATUS Levocetirizine 5 mg + Montelukast 10 mg is generally a **prescription medicine**, although dispensing requirements can vary by country. Use it under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional, particularly when it is being used in patients with asthma or other chronic respiratory conditions. ## GENUINE MEDICINE ASSURANCE For genuine medicine assurance: * Purchase the medicine from a licensed and reputable pharmacy. * Check the medicine name, strength, manufacturer, batch number, and expiry date. * Ensure the packaging and seal are intact. * Check that the strength matches your prescription. * Do not use medicines with suspicious, damaged, or altered packaging. * Store the medicine according to the manufacturer's instructions. * Consult a pharmacist if you have concerns about authenticity. ## FAQ ### What is Levocetirizine 5 mg + Montelukast 10 mg used for? It is mainly used to relieve symptoms of **allergic rhinitis**, including sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itching, and watery eyes. ### What is Levocetirizine? Levocetirizine is an antihistamine that blocks histamine and helps reduce symptoms of allergic reactions. ### What is Montelukast? Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that blocks leukotrienes involved in allergic inflammation and airway narrowing. ### Can Levocetirizine + Montelukast treat allergies? Yes. The combination can help control several symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis. ### Does this medicine make you sleepy? Levocetirizine can cause drowsiness or fatigue in some people. Avoid driving until you know how the medicine affects you. ### Can I take Levocetirizine + Montelukast at night? It may be taken at night if prescribed that way. The important point is to follow your doctor's instructions and take it consistently. ### Can I take this medicine every day? It may be prescribed daily for persistent allergy symptoms. Follow the duration and dosing schedule recommended by your healthcare professional. ### Can I take Levocetirizine + Montelukast with food? Yes, this combination can generally be taken with or without food. ### Can I drink alcohol while taking Levocetirizine? Alcohol may increase drowsiness caused by levocetirizine. It is advisable to avoid or limit alcohol. ### Can this medicine be used for asthma? Montelukast can be used as part of asthma treatment in appropriate patients, but this combination is **not a rescue medicine** for sudden asthma symptoms. ### Can I use this medicine during an asthma attack? No. Levocetirizine + Montelukast should not be relied upon for immediate relief of an acute asthma attack. Use your prescribed rescue medicine and seek urgent medical care if breathing difficulty is severe. ### Does Montelukast have mental-health side effects? Montelukast has been associated with neuropsychiatric effects, including sleep disturbances, mood changes, agitation, depression, and, rarely, suicidal thoughts or behavior. Contact a healthcare professional if significant behavioral or mood changes occur. ### Can children take Levocetirizine + Montelukast? Children may require different strengths and formulations. Do not give the adult 5 mg/10 mg combination to a child unless specifically prescribed. ### Can this medicine be taken during pregnancy? Consult your doctor before taking it during pregnancy. Your healthcare professional can assess the benefits and potential risks based on your condition. ### Can this medicine be taken while breastfeeding? Consult your doctor before use while breastfeeding, particularly because levocetirizine can pass into breast milk. ### Can I take another antihistamine with this medicine? Do not routinely combine it with another antihistamine unless your doctor recommends it, as this may increase side effects such as drowsiness and dry mouth. ### What should I do if I miss a dose? Take the missed dose when you remember unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Do not take two doses together. ### Does Levocetirizine + Montelukast cure allergic rhinitis? It helps control symptoms but does not permanently cure the underlying tendency to develop allergies. ### How long does Levocetirizine + Montelukast take to work? Levocetirizine can begin relieving allergy symptoms relatively quickly. Montelukast's effects depend on the condition being treated and may require regular use. Individual response varies. ### Can this medicine cause dry mouth? Yes. Dry mouth can occur, particularly because of the antihistamine component. ### Can I stop this medicine when my allergy symptoms improve? The appropriate duration depends on your condition. Follow your doctor's instructions rather than stopping or restarting treatment without advice. ### What happens if I take too much? An overdose can increase side effects such as drowsiness, agitation, dizziness, or other symptoms. Seek medical advice or emergency assistance after a significant overdose. ## MEDICAL DISCLAIMER This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Levocetirizine 5 mg + Montelukast 10 mg should be used according to the specific prescription and product instructions. Montelukast carries an important warning regarding possible neuropsychiatric effects, including serious changes in mood or behavior. This combination is **not intended for immediate relief of an acute asthma attack**. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice, particularly for children, pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney disease, asthma, or significant mood or behavioral symptoms.