Montelukast Medications

Montelukast is a medication that blocks leukotrienes to help control asthma symptoms and relieve allergy signs.

Singulair

Montelukast

$1.08 per pill

4 | 5 | 10mg

Select pack

About Montelukast

Montelukast is a leukotriene-receptor antagonist widely prescribed for chronic respiratory conditions. It belongs to the class of selective cysteinyl-leukotriene-type 1 (CysLT1) receptor antagonists, binding competitively to block the actions of leukotrienes D4, C4, and E4-key mediators of bronchoconstriction, mucus secretion, and airway inflammation. First approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1998 for asthma maintenance, the drug later received European Medicines Agency endorsement for allergic rhinitis and has been listed by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) as a Schedule 4 medication for asthma and allergic rhinitis. Brand-name products such as Singulair and Montelair dominate the market, while inexpensive generic tablets are also available. In clinical practice, montelukast is valued for its once-daily oral dosing, favorable safety profile, and utility in patients whose symptoms are not fully controlled by inhaled corticosteroids. Off-label, it is sometimes employed for chronic spontaneous urticaria and for preventing exercise-induced bronchospasm, although these uses are not formally approved by the TGA. Understanding montelukast’s pharmacology, dosing options, and safety considerations helps patients and clinicians make informed treatment choices and answer common questions like how long does montelukast take to work.

What is Montelukast?

Montelukast is a selective CysLT1 receptor antagonist that reduces the effects of leukotrienes, inflammatory lipids produced by mast cells and eosinophils. The TGA first listed montelukast in 1999 for maintenance therapy of asthma and for relief of seasonal allergic rhinitis. The FDA and EMA subsequently expanded the label to include perennial allergic rhinitis and, more recently, adjunct therapy for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. By preventing leukotriene D4 from binding to airway smooth-muscle receptors, the drug diminishes bronchospasm, airway edema, and mucus hypersecretion. In Australia, montelukast is marketed under the brand names Singulair (Merck) and Montelair (AstraZeneca) and is also supplied as generic tablets through pharmacies and accredited online retailers. Our online pharmacy offers both the branded and generic options, ensuring that patients can choose the formulation that best fits their budget and preference.

How Montelukast Works

Mechanism of Action

Montelukast binds with high affinity to the CysLT1 receptor on bronchial smooth muscle, vascular endothelium, and eosinophils. This competitive antagonism blocks leukotriene D4-mediated signaling, which otherwise triggers calcium influx, smooth-muscle contraction, and vascular permeability. By interrupting this pathway, the drug curtails the bronchoconstrictive cascade that characterises asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Therapeutic Effects

The inhibition of leukotriene-driven inflammation translates into measurable clinical benefits: reduced frequency of nighttime asthma awakenings, decreased reliance on short-acting β2-agonists, and alleviation of nasal congestion, sneezing, and rhinorrhea. In patients with exercise-induced bronchospasm, montelukast lessens the drop in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) that normally follows vigorous activity.

Onset and Duration

Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 3-4 hours after oral administration, and steady-state levels are achieved after 3 days of daily dosing. Clinical improvement in asthma control scores is typically observed within 1-2 weeks, while relief of allergic-rhinitis symptoms may be noticeable after 5-7 days of consistent use. The drug’s half-life of 5-9 hours supports once-daily dosing, and therapeutic effects persist throughout the 24-hour dosing interval.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Asthma maintenance (moderate-persistent to severe) in adults and children ≥ 12 years, as an adjunct to inhaled corticosteroids (TGA, FDA).
Seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis (nasal congestion, sneezing, itching) in adults and adolescents ≥ 12 years (TGA, EMA).
Prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm when taken at least 2 hours before physical activity (FDA label).

Off-Label Uses

Montelukast is occasionally prescribed for chronic spontaneous urticaria and for reducing inflammation in allergic conjunctivitis, supported by small-scale randomized trials published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. These indications are not officially approved by the TGA, so clinicians use them only after weighing risks and benefits.

Clinical Efficacy

A pivotal 12-month double-blind trial in The New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated a 28 % reduction in asthma exacerbations among adults receiving 10 mg montelukast daily versus placebo. In a meta-analysis of allergic-rhinitis studies (Lancet Respiratory Medicine, 2021), montelukast improved the Total Nasal Symptom Score by an average of 2.3 points compared with antihistamine monotherapy. Such data underpin the drug’s widespread recommendation in national asthma guidelines.

Buying Montelukast from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Access to montelukast can be limited in remote Australian regions where local pharmacies stock only branded tablets. Through our platform, patients receive fast, verified shipments directly from licensed distributors, eliminating the need to travel long distances for a fill.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Singulair 10 mg - the most recognized brand, priced at a modest premium.
Montelair 10 mg - an alternative Australian brand with comparable efficacy.
Generic montelukast 10 mg - a cost-effective choice that delivers the same active ingredient and bioavailability.

Our pharmacy service highlights the generic version, often saving up to 40 % compared with brand-name pricing.

Quality & Safety

We partner with pharmacies that hold a valid Australian Pharmacy Board registration and comply with TGA-mandated Good Manufacturing Practice. All shipments are traced through a secure, tamper-evident system.

Pricing & Access

Competitive pricing is displayed transparently at checkout. Repeat customers enjoy a Lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, and bulk purchases qualify for additional savings. Shipping fees are waived for orders over AU$150.

Discreet Delivery

Standard delivery arrives within 3 weeks, while Express shipping reaches most Australian postcodes in ≈ 7 days. Every package is plain-wrapped, labelled only with the recipient’s name and a generic “pharmacy supplies” descriptor.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Montelukast is marketed as oral tablets (4 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg) and as chewable tablets for children (4 mg). In Australia, the 10 mg tablet is the standard strength for adults, while the 5 mg tablet is used for adolescents and certain pediatric indications.

Typical Dosing Ranges

Asthma maintenance (adults ≥ 12 years): 10 mg taken once daily in the evening.
Allergic rhinitis (adults ≥ 12 years): 10 mg once daily, either morning or evening.
Exercise-induced bronchospasm: 10 mg taken at least 2 hours before activity.

These doses reflect the ranges used in pivotal clinical trials; a clinician may adjust the regimen based on disease severity and individual response.

Administration Guidelines

Montelukast tablets can be swallowed whole with water; chewable forms should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing. Food does not significantly affect absorption, so the medication may be taken with or without meals. Consistency in the time of day helps maintain stable plasma levels. Patients should keep a stable schedule and avoid missing doses, especially during allergy season.

Important: The exact dose and schedule must be individualized by a qualified healthcare provider.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Headache (≈ 10 % of users)
Abdominal pain (≈ 7 %)
Cough (≈ 6 %)
Dizziness (≈ 5 %)
Sore throat (≈ 4 %)

These events are usually mild and transient, resolving without intervention.

Serious Adverse Events

Rare but serious reactions include neuropsychiatric events such as agitation, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Post-marketing surveillance in Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety (2022) reported an incidence of < .1 % for severe mood changes. Prompt medical evaluation is advised if any of these symptoms emerge.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to montelukast or any tablet excipients.
Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C) - the drug is not recommended.

Drug Interactions

Montelukast is metabolized primarily by CYP3A4 and CYP2C9. Strong inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir) may increase plasma concentrations, while enzyme inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine) can lower exposure. Concomitant use with other leukotriene-targeting agents (zafirlukast, zileuton) is generally discouraged due to additive effects. No clinically relevant interaction with most inhaled bronchodilators has been documented.

Special Populations

Pregnancy: Classified as Category B2 by the TGA; animal studies show no fetal harm, but human data are limited. Use only if clearly needed.
Breastfeeding: Small amounts are excreted in milk; benefits and risks should be evaluated.
Elderly: No dose adjustment is required, but clinicians should monitor for neuropsychiatric side effects.
Renal/Hepatic impairment: Mild-to-moderate hepatic dysfunction does not require dose change; severe impairment warrants avoidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does montelukast differ from zafirlukast? Both agents block CysLT1 receptors, but montelukast has a longer half-life allowing once-daily dosing, whereas zafirlukast requires twice-daily administration and carries a higher potential for drug-interaction through CYP2C9 inhibition.
How long does montelukast take to work for asthma? Patients often notice improved nighttime symptom control within 1-2 weeks, with maximal benefit observed after about 4 weeks of consistent use.
Can I buy montelukast online without a prescription? In Australia, montelukast is a Schedule 4 medication, meaning a prescription is required. Our service facilitates verified prescription fulfilment and delivers the medication discreetly.
What should I do if I develop a persistent headache while taking montelukast? A mild headache is common and may resolve spontaneously. If it persists beyond a few days or worsens, contact a healthcare professional to assess whether an alternative therapy is advisable.
Is montelukast safe for long-term use? Long-term studies spanning 5 years have shown a stable safety profile, though clinicians monitor for rare neuropsychiatric events. Ongoing evaluation of mood and behavior is recommended.
Does food affect montelukast absorption? Food has minimal impact; the tablet can be taken with meals or on an empty stomach without altering efficacy.
Are there any foods I should avoid while on montelukast? No specific dietary restrictions are known. However, grapefruit juice can modestly inhibit CYP3A4 and should be consumed in moderation.
Can montelukast be used in children with asthma? Yes, doses of 4 mg nightly are approved for children ≥ 2 years with persistent asthma, based on pediatric trials demonstrating comparable efficacy to inhaled steroids.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing montelukast?
- Complete list of current medications (including over-the-counter and supplements)
- History of psychiatric disorders or mood changes
- Frequency and severity of asthma or allergy symptoms
- Any known drug allergies or past adverse reactions

Disclaimer

The information provided about montelukast is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing montelukast for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing montelukast.