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montelukast sodium
Singulair

Pregnancy Risk Category B

How supplied
Tablets (film-coated):
10 mg
Tablets (chewable):
5 mg

Action
Causes inhibition of airway cysteinyl leukotriene (CysLT1) receptors. Binds with high affinity and selectivity to the CysLT1 receptor and inhibits physiologic action of the cysteinyl leukotriene LTD4. This receptor inhibition reduces early- and late-phase bronchoconstriction due to antigen challenge.

Indications & dosage
For prophylaxis and long-term treatment of asthma--

Adults and children ages 15 and older:
10 mg (film-coated tablet) P.O. once daily in evening.
Children ages 6 to 14:
5 mg (chewable tablet) P.O. once daily in evening.

Adverse reactions
CNS:
headache, dizziness, fatigue, asthenia.
EENT:
nasal congestion, dental pain.
GI:
dyspepsia, infectious gastroenteritis, abdominal pain.
GU:
pyuria.
Hepatic:
increased ALT and AST levels.
Respiratory:
cough.
Skin:
rash.
Other:
fever, trauma, influenza.

Interactions
Drug-drug.
Phenobarbital, rifampin: may decrease bioavailability of montelukast because of induction of hepatic metabolism. Monitor closely.

Effects on diagnostic tests
None reported.

Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug or its ingredients.

Nursing considerations

Patient teaching

*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine.  †Canada  ‡Australia  §U.K.  OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING

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