Montelukast: Uses, Side Effects, and How to Take It
Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist, a type of medicine that blocks certain chemicals involved in inflammation. It is used to prevent asthma symptoms, treat seasonal or year-round allergy symptoms, and prevent exercise-related asthma attacks. It is not a fast-acting rescue medicine and should not be used to treat an acute asthma attack.
Montelukast can help prevent asthma and allergy symptoms when used as prescribed, but it is not a rescue inhaler. Take it only at the dose and timing directed by your doctor or pharmacist, and report any new mood or behavior changes promptly.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- R03DC03
- Generic
- Montelukast
- Class
- leukotriene-inhibitor
- Brands
- Singulair
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- B
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 5
- Duration (h)
- 24
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, chewable-tablet, oral-granules
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- neuropsychiatric
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 10mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 10mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal care and fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second and third trimestercontinue if needed for asthma control
do not discontinue asthma medications without medical consultation as uncontrolled asthma poses greater risk
standard prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse with caution
montelukast is excreted in breast milk, use only if clearly needed
monitor infant for unusual symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants 6 months to 2 yearsage-appropriate dosing available
approved for asthma in children 6 months and older
standard pediatric monitoring
pediatric_age
children 2 to 5 years4mg chewable tablet daily
approved for asthma and seasonal allergic rhinitis
regular growth and development monitoring
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderno dosage adjustment required
standard adult dosing applies, monitor for polypharmacy interactions
standard geriatric care
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno dosage adjustment needed
standard dosing for mild to moderate renal impairment
routine renal function monitoring
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno dosage adjustment for mild to moderate
standard dosing for mild to moderate hepatic impairment
periodic liver function tests
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval date for Montelukast (Singulair)
Drug class
Leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) - blocks cysteinyl leukotriene receptors
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications for Montelukast
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy