Montelukast

Montelukast, the generic version of Singulair®, contains montelukast. It is a prescription leukotriene receptor antagonist used for the prevention and long-term treatment of asthma, and it may also be prescribed for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction or allergic rhinitis when appropriate.

• Taken by mouth as a tablet
• Used for ongoing asthma management, not sudden asthma attacks
• Helps block leukotrienes, substances involved in airway tightening and inflammation
• May be considered when a provider decides it fits your health history
• Not a replacement for rescue medication or emergency care
• Use only as prescribed by your healthcare provider

Take Montelukast exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. For asthma, montelukast is generally used on a scheduled basis as part of longer-term asthma management, not as quick relief when breathing suddenly gets worse.

• Swallow tablets as directed on your prescription label
• Do not take extra doses unless your provider tells you to
• Keep rescue medication available for sudden asthma symptoms
• Do not stop or change steroid asthma medicines without medical guidance
• If you miss a dose, follow your provider’s instructions or the patient information
• Contact a provider if your asthma symptoms worsen

Montelukast can cause side effects, and this is not a complete list. Common side effects may include upper respiratory infection, fever, headache, sore throat, cough, stomach pain, diarrhea, runny nose, sinus symptoms, dizziness, rash, or flu-like symptoms.

• Serious mood, sleep, or behavior changes have been reported
• These may include agitation, depression, unusual dreams, suicidal thoughts, or suicidal behavior
• Stop taking montelukast and contact a healthcare provider right away if these symptoms occur
• Get urgent help for severe allergic reactions or severe breathing problems
• Tell your provider if side effects bother you or do not go away

See Important Safety / Prescribing Information for full detail.

No. Montelukast is used for prevention and long-term asthma management, not for sudden asthma attacks. You should keep rescue medication available for acute breathing symptoms, as directed by your healthcare provider. If your breathing suddenly gets worse, or your rescue medicine is not helping, seek medical help right away.

Montelukast has a Boxed Warning for serious mood, sleep, and behavior-related side effects. These can include agitation, depression, unusual dreams, suicidal thoughts, or suicidal behavior. Stop taking montelukast and contact a healthcare provider right away if you notice new or worsening mood, sleep, or behavior changes.

Yes. Montelukast is a prescription medication. A licensed healthcare provider needs to review your symptoms, health history, current medications, and potential safety risks before deciding whether it is appropriate for you.

Share your asthma symptoms, current asthma medications, rescue inhaler use, allergies, and any history of mood, sleep, or behavior changes. Also mention if you are pregnant, nursing, taking steroids, sensitive to aspirin or NSAIDs, or using other prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Your provider may recommend both, but they are used differently. Montelukast is not for quick relief during sudden asthma symptoms. Use your rescue inhaler only as directed, and do not change or stop other asthma medications without medical guidance.

If the provider decides Montelukast is not appropriate, you will get 100% of your money back.

SINGULAIR (montelukast sodium) - official prescribing information covering approved uses, dosage, boxed warnings, and safety information. / Source: DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine Link: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=482dcc92-b47f-4ea6-854a-f5ac2aea7842 / Updated: April 30, 2025