Common Use
Montair (montelukast) is a leukotriene receptor antagonist indicated for long‑term control of asthma, prevention of exercise‑induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), and relief of seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis. Leukotrienes are inflammatory mediators that tighten airway muscles, increase mucus, and swell nasal passages. By selectively blocking the CysLT1 receptor, Montair reduces airway inflammation and congestion, leading to fewer asthma symptoms and improved nasal breathing. It is most effective when taken consistently, as benefits build with daily use. For asthma, Montair is used as maintenance therapy and can be combined with inhaled corticosteroids or long‑acting bronchodilators as guided by a clinician. For allergies, it can help with sneezing, itching, rhinorrhea, and congestion.
Dosage and direction
General dosing for adults and adolescents 15 years and older: 10 mg tablet once daily, typically in the evening, for asthma control and allergic rhinitis. For prevention of exercise‑induced bronchoconstriction, take 10 mg at least 2 hours before exercise; do not repeat within 24 hours. Pediatric dosing varies by age: 6–14 years, 5 mg chewable tablet once daily; 2–5 years, 4 mg chewable tablet or oral granules once daily; 6–23 months (asthma), 4 mg oral granules once daily. Do not use Montair to treat acute asthma symptoms; always carry and use a fast‑acting rescue inhaler (such as albuterol) for sudden breathing problems.
Take Montair at the same time each day, with or without food. Oral granules may be swallowed directly or mixed with a small amount of soft food (such as applesauce) and used within 15 minutes; do not store mixed granules for later use. Chewable tablets should be thoroughly chewed before swallowing. Do not exceed the recommended dosing frequency. If Montair is part of a multi‑drug regimen, follow your clinician’s step‑wise asthma or allergy plan carefully, including any adjustments to inhaled steroids or intranasal therapies. If symptoms remain uncontrolled after several weeks, consult your prescriber to reassess dosing, adherence, inhaler technique, and triggers.
Precautions
Neuropsychiatric events have been reported with montelukast, including agitation, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts or behavior. In 2020, the FDA added a Boxed Warning for serious mental health side effects and advises reserving montelukast for allergic rhinitis only when alternative treatments are not effective or not tolerated. Before starting Montair, discuss any history of mood disorders, anxiety, insomnia, or suicidal ideation. Monitor for behavioral or mood changes and seek medical attention promptly if new or worsening psychiatric symptoms occur. Do not stop the medication abruptly without consulting your clinician, but contact them immediately if serious concerns arise.
Montair is not a bronchodilator and should not replace rescue medications for acute wheezing or asthma attacks. Rare cases of systemic eosinophilia and vasculitis consistent with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg‑Strauss) have been reported, often associated with reductions in oral corticosteroids; report unusual symptoms such as rash, worsening pulmonary symptoms, neuropathy, or sinus issues. Use caution in hepatic impairment; montelukast is hepatically metabolized. Chewable tablets may contain phenylalanine (aspartame), which is relevant for patients with phenylketonuria (PKU). During pregnancy or breastfeeding, discuss risk‑benefit with your clinician; data are limited, though no major teratogenic signal has emerged from available studies.
Contraindications
Montair is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to montelukast or any component of the formulation. Severe acute hepatic disease warrants caution and individualized assessment. Do not use Montair as monotherapy for status asthmaticus or to treat acute bronchospasm. If an allergic reaction occurs (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, rash), discontinue and seek urgent care.
Possible side effects
Common side effects include headache, abdominal pain, upper respiratory infection symptoms, cough, dizziness, fatigue, fever, and sore throat. Some patients report gastrointestinal upset or diarrhea. Neuropsychiatric effects can occur at any time during treatment: agitation, aggressive behavior, anxiety, irritability, tremor, restlessness, abnormal dreams, insomnia, depression, attention problems, and in rare cases suicidal thoughts or actions. Although uncommon, hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis), angioedema, eosinophilia, vasculitis, and hepatic dysfunction (elevated transaminases, hepatitis) have been reported. In clinical trials, most adverse events were mild to moderate and transient.
Seek immediate medical care for signs of severe allergic reaction (swelling of face or tongue, trouble breathing), severe mood or behavior changes, suicidal ideation, persistent vomiting, yellowing of the skin/eyes, dark urine, severe abdominal pain, or unusual bleeding/bruising. Report new or unexplained nerve symptoms (numbness, tingling, weakness) or worsening asthma control. If side effects are bothersome or do not resolve, your clinician may adjust therapy or recommend an alternative allergy/asthma regimen.
Drug interactions
Montelukast is metabolized by CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2C8. Strong enzyme inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, and possibly St. John’s wort) can reduce montelukast levels and effectiveness. Potent CYP2C8 inhibitors such as gemfibrozil may increase montelukast exposure; clinicians may weigh risks versus benefits if co‑administration is necessary. Clinically significant interactions with common antihistamines, intranasal steroids, theophylline, oral contraceptives, digoxin, and warfarin are not typically observed, but individual factors vary. Always provide your pharmacist or clinician with a complete list of prescription drugs, OTC medicines (including NSAIDs and decongestants), vitamins, and herbal supplements so they can check for interactions and optimize your regimen.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to the time of your next dose. If it is near the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double up or take extra doses to compensate for a missed one. Consistency helps maintain symptom control.
Overdose
Montelukast overdose may cause abdominal pain, thirst, drowsiness, headache, vomiting, and psychomotor hyperactivity; most cases resolve with supportive care. If an overdose is suspected, call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention immediately. There is no specific antidote. Management focuses on monitoring vital signs, addressing symptoms, and considering decontamination based on timing and clinical judgment.
Storage
Store Montair at room temperature (generally 20–25°C/68–77°F), protected from moisture and light. Keep tablets or granules in the original packaging until use. Do not use after the expiration date. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medication according to local guidelines or pharmacy take‑back programs.
U.S. Sale and Prescription Policy
In the United States, montelukast is a prescription‑only medication. You should not purchase Montair without a valid prescription issued by a licensed clinician. Reputable online pharmacies meet federal and state requirements, verify patient identity, and dispense only after an appropriate evaluation. HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Las Vegas offers a legal and structured solution that does not require you to bring a prior paper prescription; instead, it connects eligible adults with licensed U.S. clinicians for a brief telehealth assessment that can generate the necessary prescription when appropriate. This preserves safety, documentation, and accountability while streamlining access.
Avoid unverified websites that advertise “no‑prescription” sales, as they may distribute counterfeit or unsafe products. When seeking to buy Montair online, ensure the service: requires a health questionnaire or telehealth consult, uses U.S.‑licensed prescribers and pharmacies, provides pharmacist counseling, protects your health data, and offers clear pricing. HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Las Vegas adheres to these safeguards, helping you obtain Montair legitimately and conveniently, with clinician oversight and ongoing support for safe, effective use. Always follow your prescriber’s advice and report side effects promptly.
