Singulair (montelukast): Side effects, interactions, and overdose
The bottom line
Montelukast is a prescription medication most commonly used to treat asthma and allergies. It is a leukotriene receptor blocker that reduces inflammation, relaxes smooth muscles, and prevents fluid buildup in the airways. Although montelukast is generally well-tolerated, it is associated with side effects such as headache, abdominal pain, and sore throat.
Prevention Tips
Keep all medication in a safe place and away from children.
Avoid exposing your medications to heat, moisture, and light.
This Really Happened
A 19-month-old baby was taken to the emergency department after ingesting multiple montelukast 4 mg chewable tablets. The prescription belonged to the mother, was filled two days prior, and was missing 28 tablets. The baby was monitored in the ED for 4 hours. The baby had no signs or symptoms and was later discharged. The poison center followed up with the mother a week later and she reported the baby was doing well, with no reactions or side effects after being discharged.
What is montelukast used for?
Montelukast is used to treat or prevent asthma, to treat seasonal and year-round allergies, and to prevent difficulty breathing during exercise. The brand name for montelukast is Singulair®. Montelukast comes in tablets, chewable tablets, and granules. Montelukast should not be used as a substitute for rescue medications such as albuterol during an asthma attack.
Is Singulair an antihistamine?
Singulair (montelukast) is not an antihistamine. Singulair is a leukotriene receptor blocker. Leukotriene is a chemical that the body releases when exposed to an allergen such as pollen. When leukotriene is released, it binds to the receptor and causes inflammation, smooth muscle contraction, and fluid buildup in the airway. Taking Singular prevents these reactions from occurring by binding to the receptors instead of leukotriene.
What are the side effects of montelukast?
Montelukast is usually well tolerated. Some common side effects reported are headaches, fever, sore throat, cough, and diarrhea.
What drugs should not be taken with montelukast?
Montelukast is relatively safe to take with other medications. However, people who are sensitive or allergic to aspirin should avoid aspirin or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen while taking montelukast.
Is it safe to take montelukast during pregnancy?
There is limited information available on the safety of montelukast use during pregnancy. Animal studies involving rats and rabbits have not shown an association between montelukast use and fetal harm, but there are some reports of birth defects in humans born to mothers who took montelukast along with other asthma medications. Because of this, pregnant women should always discuss the risks and benefits of taking montelukast during pregnancy with their physician. There is a registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women who take montelukast or other medications. To learn more or join the registry, call 1-800-986-8999.
Montelukast warnings: What is Singulair’s black box warning?
There is one black box warning to be aware of when taking montelukast. There have been reports of agitation, aggression, depression, trouble sleeping, and suicidal thoughts/behaviors in individuals who take montelukast. Note any changes in behavior that occur while taking this medication. If there are any changes in behavior, stop taking montelukast and reach out to a physician as soon as possible.
What happens if you take too much montelukast?
If you take too much montelukast, you may be at a higher risk of developing unwanted side effects. In some studies, daily dosing up to 200 mg was safe in adult patients. Another study analyzed montelukast exposures involving children five years old or younger and concluded that doses up to 536 mg were unlikely to have serious side effects. Common side effects reported in these cases were drowsiness, agitation, nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting.
What to do if someone takes too much Montelukast or takes it by accident
If someone takes too much montelukast or takes it by accident, use the webPOISONCONTROL® online tool to get help, or call your poison center at 1-800-222-1222. Whether online or by phone, expert guidance is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.
Singulair® is a registered trademark of MERCK & CO., Inc.
