Montelukast
Tablet, Film Coated · Oral
Uses
Montelukast sodium tablets are a leukotriene receptor antagonist indicated for:
• Prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma in patients 15 years of age and older ( 1.1 ).
• Acute prevention of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in patients 15 years of age and older ( 1.2 ).
• Relief of symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR): seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) in patients 15 years of age and older, and perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) in patients 15 years of age and older. Reserve use for patients who have an inadequate response or intolerance to alternative therapies ( 1.3 ). Limitations of Use Not indicated to treat an acute asthma attack ( 5.2 ) 1.1 Asthma Montelukast sodium tablets are indicated for the prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma in adults and adolescents 15 years of age and older. 1.2 Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB) Montelukast sodium tablets are indicated for prevention of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in patients 15 years of age and older. 1.3 Allergic Rhinitis Montelukast sodium tablets are indicated for the relief of symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis in patients 15 years of age and older and perennial allergic rhinitis in patients 15 years of age and older. Because the benefits of montelukast sodium tablets may not outweigh the risk of neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )], reserve use for patients who have an inadequate response or intolerance to alternative therapies. 1.4 Limitations of Use Montelukast sodium tablets are not indicated for the treatment of an acute asthma attack.
Dosage and administration
Administration (by indications):
• Asthma: Once daily in the evening for patients 15 years and older ( 2.1 ).
• Acute prevention of EIB: One tablet at least 2 hours before exercise for patients 15 years of age and older ( 2.2 ).
• Seasonal allergic rhinitis: Once daily for patients 15 years and older ( 2.3 ).
• Perennial allergic rhinitis: Once daily for patients 15 years and older ( 2.3 ). Dosage (by age) ( 2 ):
• 15 years and older: one 10 mg tablet ( 2 ). Patients with both asthma and allergic rhinitis should take only one dose daily in the evening ( 2.4 ). 2.1 Asthma For asthma, administer montelukast sodium tablets orally once daily in the evening, with or without food. There have been no clinical trials in patients with asthma to evaluate the relative efficacy of morning versus evening dosing. The following doses are recommended: Table 1: Recommended Dosage in Asthma Age Dose Adult and adolescent patients 15 years of age and older one 10 mg tablet Patients who miss a dose should take the next dose at their regular time and should not take 2 doses at the same time. 2.2 Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB) For prevention of EIB, administer a single dose of montelukast sodium tablets orally at least 2 hours, before exercise. The following doses are recommended: Table 2: Recommended Dosage in Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB) Age Dose Adult and adolescent patients 15 years of age and older one 10 mg tablet An additional dose of montelukast sodium tablets should not be taken within 24 hours of a previous dose. Patients already taking montelukast sodium tablets daily for another indication (including chronic asthma) should not take an additional dose to prevent EIB. All patients should have available for rescue a short-acting β-agonist. Daily administration of montelukast sodium tablets for the chronic treatment of asthma has not been established to prevent acute episodes of EIB. 2.3 Allergic Rhinitis For allergic rhinitis, administer montelukast sodium tablets orally once daily without regard to time of food ingestion. Time of administration in patients with allergic rhinitis can be individualized to suit patient needs. The following doses for the treatment of symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis are recommended: Table 3: Recommended Dosage in Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis Age Dose Adult and adolescent patients 15 years of age and older one 10 mg tablet The following doses for the treatment of symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis are recommended: Table 4: Recommended Dosage in Perennial Allergic Rhinitis Age Dose Adult and adolescent patients 15 years of age one 10 mg tablet Patients who miss a dose should take the next dose at their regular time and should not take 2 doses at the same time. 2.4 Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis For patients with both asthma and allergic rhinitis, administer only one montelukast sodium tablets dose orally once daily in the evening. Patients who miss a dose should take the next dose at their regular time and should not take 2 doses at the same time.
Dosage forms and strengths
• Montelukast sodium tablets, 10 mg (montelukast) are beige colored, round, biconvex, film coated tablets with "SZ 344" debossed on one side and plain on other side.
• Tablets: 10 mg ( 3 )
Contraindications
Montelukast sodium tablets are contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any of its components. Hypersensitivity to any component of montelukast sodium tablets ( 4 ).
Warnings and precautions
• Do not prescribe montelukast sodium to treat an acute asthma attack ( 5.2 ).
• Advise patients to have appropriate rescue medication available ( 5.2 ).
• Inhaled corticosteroid may be reduced gradually. Do not abruptly substitute montelukast sodium for inhaled or oral corticosteroids ( 5.3 ).
• Patients with known aspirin sensitivity should continue to avoid aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents while taking montelukast sodium ( 5.4 ).
• Systemic eosinophilia, sometimes presenting with clinical features of vasculitis consistent with Churg-Strauss syndrome, has been reported. These events have been sometimes associated with the reduction of oral corticosteroid therapy ( 5.5 and 6.2 ). 5.1 Neuropsychiatric Events Serious neuropsychiatric (NP) events have been reported with use of montelukast sodium. These postmarketing reports have been highly variable and included, but were not limited to, agitation, aggressive behavior or hostility, anxiousness, depression, disorientation, disturbance in attention, dream abnormalities, dysphemia (stuttering), hallucinations, insomnia, irritability, memory impairment, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, restlessness, somnambulism, suicidal thoughts and behavior (including suicide), tic, and tremor. NP events have been reported in adult, adolescent, and pediatric patients with and without a previous history of psychiatric disorder. NP events have been reported mostly during montelukast sodium treatment, but some were reported after montelukast sodium discontinuation. Animal studies showed that montelukast distributes into the brain in rats [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]; however, the mechanisms underlying montelukast sodium-associated NP events are currently not well understood. Based upon the available data, it is difficult to identify risk factors for or quantify the risk of NP events with montelukast sodium use. Because of the risk of NP events, the benefits of montelukast sodium may not outweigh the risks in some patients, particularly when the symptoms of disease may be mild and adequately treated with alternative therapies. Reserve use of montelukast sodium for patients with allergic rhinitis who have an inadequate response or intolerance to alternative therapies [see Indications and Usage ( 1.3 )]. In patients with asthma or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, consider the benefits and risks before prescribing montelukast sodium. Discuss the benefits and risks of montelukast sodium use with patients and caregivers when prescribing montelukast sodium. Advise patients and/or caregivers to be alert for changes in behavior or for new NP symptoms when taking montelukast sodium. If changes in behavior are observed, or if new NP symptoms or suicidal thoughts and/or behavior occur, advise patients to discontinue montelukast sodium and contact a healthcare provider immediately. In many cases, symptoms resolved after stopping montelukast sodium therapy; however, in some cases symptoms persisted after discontinuation of montelukast sodium. Therefore, continue to monitor and provide supportive care until symptoms resolve. Re-evaluate the benefits and risks of restarting treatment with montelukast sodium if such events occur. 5.2 Acute Asthma Montelukast sodium is not indicated for use in the reversal of bronchospasm in acute asthma attacks, including status asthmaticus. Patients should be advised to have appropriate rescue medication available. Therapy with montelukast sodium can be continued during acute exacerbations of asthma. Patients who have exacerbations of asthma after exercise should have available for rescue a short-acting inhaled β-agonist. 5.3 Concomitant Corticosteroid Use While the dose of inhaled corticosteroid may be reduced gradually under medical supervision, montelukast sodium should not be abruptly substituted for inhaled or oral corticosteroids. 5.4 Aspirin Sensitivity Patients with known aspirin sensitivity should continue avoidance of aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents while taking montelukast sodium. Although montelukast sodium is effective in improving airway function in asthmatics with documented aspirin sensitivity, it has not been shown to truncate bronchoconstrictor response to aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in aspirin-sensitive asthmatic patients [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 ) ]. 5.5 Eosinophilic Conditions Patients with asthma on therapy with montelukast sodium may present with systemic eosinophilia, sometimes presenting with clinical features of vasculitis consistent with Churg-Strauss syndrome, a condition which is often treated with systemic corticosteroid therapy. These events have been sometimes associated with the reduction of oral corticosteroid therapy. Physicians should be alert to eosinophilia, vasculitic rash, worsening pulmonary symptoms, cardiac complications, and/or neuropathy presenting in their patients. A causal association between montelukast sodium and these underlying conditions has not been established [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )].
Side effects
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:
• Neuropsychiatric Events [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5% and greater than placebo listed in descending order of frequency): upper respiratory infection, fever, headache, pharyngitis, cough, abdominal pain, diarrhea, otitis media, influenza, rhinorrhea, sinusitis, otitis ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sandoz Inc. at 1-800-525-8747 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. In the following description of clinical trials experience, adverse reactions are listed regardless of causality assessment. The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5% and greater than placebo; listed in descending order of frequency) in controlled clinical trials were: upper respiratory infection, fever, headache, pharyngitis, cough, abdominal pain, diarrhea, otitis media, influenza, rhinorrhea, sinusitis, otitis. Adults and Adolescents 15 Years of Age and Older with Asthma Montelukast sodium has been evaluated for safety in approximately 2,950 adult and adolescent patients 15 years of age and older in clinical trials. In placebo-controlled clinical trials, the following adverse reactions reported with montelukast sodium occurred in greater than or equal to 1% of patients and at an incidence greater than that in patients treated with placebo: Table 5: Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥1% of Patients with an Incidence Greater than that in Patients Treated with Placebo Montelukast Sodium 10 mg/day (%) (n=1955) Placebo (%) (n=1180) Body As A Whole Pain, abdominal Asthenia/fatigue Fever Trauma 2.9 1.8 1.5 1 2.5 1.2 0.9 0.8 Digestive System Disorders Dyspepsia Pain, dental Gastroenteritis, infectious 2.1 1.7 1.5 1.1 1 0.5 Nervous System/Psychiatric Headache Dizziness 18.4 1.9 18.1 1.4 Respiratory System Disorders Influenza Cough Congestion, nasal 4.2 2.7 1.6 3.9 2.4 1.3 Skin/Skin Appendages Disorder Rash 1.6 1.2 Laboratory Adverse Reactions* ALT increased AST increased Pyuria 2.1 1.6 1 2 1.2 0.9 *Number of patients tested (montelukast sodium and placebo, respectively): ALT and AST, 1935, 1170; pyuria, 1924, 1159. The frequency of less common adverse reactions was comparable between montelukast sodium and placebo. The safety profile of montelukast sodium, when administered as a single dose for prevention of EIB in adult and adolescent patients 15 years of age and older, was consistent with the safety profile previously described for montelukast sodium. Cumulatively, 569 patients were treated with montelukast sodium for at least 6 months, 480 for one year, and 49 for two years in clinical trials. With prolonged treatment, the adverse reaction profile did not significantly change. Adults and Adolescents 15 Years of Age and Older with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis Montelukast sodium has been evaluated for safety in 2,199 adult and adolescent patients 15 years of age and older in clinical trials. Montelukast sodium administered once daily in the morning or in the evening had a safety profile similar to that of placebo. In placebo-controlled clinical trials, the following reaction was reported with montelukast sodium with a frequency ≥1% and at an incidence greater than placebo: upper respiratory infection, 1.9% of patients receiving montelukast sodium vs. 1.5% of patients receiving placebo. In a 4-week, placebo-controlled clinical study, the safety profile was consistent with that observed in 2-week studies. The incidence of somnolence was similar to that of placebo in all studies. Adults and Adolescents 15 Years of Age and Older with Perennial Allergic Rhinitis Montelukast sodium has been evaluated for safety in 3,357 adult and adolescent patients 15 years of age and older with perennial allergic rhinitis of whom 1,632 received montelukast sodium in two, 6-week, clinical studies. Montelukast sodium administered once daily had a safety profile consistent with that observed in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis and similar to that of placebo. In these two studies, the following reactions were reported with montelukast sodium with a frequency ≥1% and at an incidence greater than placebo: sinusitis, upper respiratory infection, sinus headache, cough, epistaxis, and increased ALT. The incidence of somnolence was similar to that of placebo. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of montelukast sodium. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Blood and lymphatic system disorders: increased bleeding tendency, thrombocytopenia. Immune system disorders: hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, hepatic eosinophilic infiltration. Psychiatric disorders: including, but not limited to, agitation, aggressive behavior or hostility, anxiousness, depression, disorientation, disturbance in attention, dream abnormalities, dysphemia (stuttering), hallucinations, insomnia, irritability, memory impairment, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, restlessness, somnambulism, suicidal thinking and behavior (including suicide), tic, and tremor [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Nervous system disorders: drowsiness, paraesthesia/hypoesthesia, seizures. Cardiac disorders: palpitations. Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: epistaxis, pulmonary eosinophilia. Gastrointestinal disorders: diarrhea, dyspepsia, nausea, pancreatitis, vomiting.
Drug interactions
No dose adjustment is needed when montelukast sodium is co-administered with theophylline, prednisone, prednisolone, oral contraceptives, fexofenadine, digoxin, warfarin, gemfibrozil, itraconazole, thyroid hormones, sedative hypnotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, benzodiazepines, decongestants, and Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme inducers [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .
Use in specific populations
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from published prospective and retrospective cohort studies over decades with montelukast use in pregnant women have not established a drug-associated risk of major birth defects [see Data] . In animal reproduction studies, no adverse developmental effects were observed with oral administration of montelukast to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at doses approximately 100 and 110 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human daily oral dose (MRHDOD) based on AUCs [see Data]. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk Poorly or moderately controlled asthma in pregnancy increases the maternal risk of perinatal adverse outcomes such as preeclampsia and infant prematurity, low birth weight, and small for gestational age. Data Human Data Published data from prospective and retrospective cohort studies have not identified an association with montelukast sodium use during pregnancy and major birth defects. Available studies have methodologic limitations, including small sample size, in some cases retrospective data collection, and inconsistent comparator groups. Animal Data In embryo-fetal development studies, montelukast administered to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis (gestation days 6 to 17 in rats and 6 to 18 in rabbits) did not cause any adverse developmental effects at maternal oral doses up to 400 and 300 mg/kg/day in rats and rabbits, respectively (approximately 100 and 110 times the AUC in humans at the MRHDOD, respectively). 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary A published clinical lactation study reports the presence of montelukast in human milk. Data available on the effects of the drug on infants, either directly [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 )] or through breast milk, do not suggest a significant risk of adverse reactions from exposure to montelukast sodium. The effects of the drug on milk production are unknown. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for montelukast sodium and any potential adverse reactions on the breastfed infant from montelukast sodium or from the underlying maternal condition. 8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 12 months with asthma, 6 months with perennial allergic rhinitis, and 6 years with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction have not been established. 8.5 Geriatric Use Of the total number of subjects in clinical studies of montelukast, 3.5% were 65 years of age and over, and 0.4% were 75 years of age and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out. The pharmacokinetic profile and the oral bioavailability of a single 10 mg oral dose of montelukast are similar in elderly and younger adults. The plasma half-life of montelukast is slightly longer in the elderly. No dosage adjustment in the elderly is required. 8.6 Hepatic Impairment No dosage adjustment is recommended in patients with mild-to-moderate hepatic insufficiency [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. 8.7 Renal Impairment No dosage adjustment is recommended in patients with renal insufficiency [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from published prospective and retrospective cohort studies over decades with montelukast use in pregnant women have not established a drug-associated risk of major birth defects [see Data] . In animal reproduction studies, no adverse developmental effects were observed with oral administration of montelukast to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at doses approximately 100 and 110 times, respectively, the maximum recommended human daily oral dose (MRHDOD) based on AUCs [see Data]. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk Poorly or moderately controlled asthma in pregnancy increases the maternal risk of perinatal adverse outcomes such as preeclampsia and infant prematurity, low birth weight, and small for gestational age. Data Human Data Published data from prospective and retrospective cohort studies have not identified an association with montelukast sodium use during pregnancy and major birth defects. Available studies have methodologic limitations, including small sample size, in some cases retrospective data collection, and inconsistent comparator groups. Animal Data In embryo-fetal development studies, montelukast administered to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis (gestation days 6 to 17 in rats and 6 to 18 in rabbits) did not cause any adverse developmental effects at maternal oral doses up to 400 and 300 mg/kg/day in rats and rabbits, respectively (approximately 100 and 110 times the AUC in humans at the MRHDOD, respectively).
Pediatric use
8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 12 months with asthma, 6 months with perennial allergic rhinitis, and 6 years with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction have not been established.
Geriatric use
8.5 Geriatric Use Of the total number of subjects in clinical studies of montelukast, 3.5% were 65 years of age and over, and 0.4% were 75 years of age and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out. The pharmacokinetic profile and the oral bioavailability of a single 10 mg oral dose of montelukast are similar in elderly and younger adults. The plasma half-life of montelukast is slightly longer in the elderly. No dosage adjustment in the elderly is required.
Overdosage
No specific information is available on the treatment of overdosage with montelukast sodium. In the event of overdose, it is reasonable to employ the usual supportive measures; e.g., remove unabsorbed material from the gastrointestinal tract, employ clinical monitoring, and institute supportive therapy, if required. It is not known whether montelukast is removed by peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis.
Description
Montelukast sodium, the active ingredient in montelukast sodium tablets is a selective and orally active leukotriene receptor antagonist that inhibits the cysteinyl leukotriene CysLT 1 receptor. Montelukast sodium is described chemically as [ R -( E )]-1-[[[1-[3-[2-(7-chloro-2-quinolinyl)ethenyl]phenyl]-3-[2-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)phenyl]propyl]thio]methyl] cyclopropaneacetic acid, monosodium salt. The molecular formula is C 35 H 35 ClNNaO 3 S, and its molecular weight is 608.18. The structural formula is: Montelukast sodium is a hygroscopic, optically active, white to off-white to light yellow powder. Montelukast sodium is freely soluble in ethanol, methanol, and water and practically insoluble in acetonitrile. Each 10 mg film-coated montelukast sodium tablet contains 10.4 mg montelukast sodium, which is equivalent to 10 mg of montelukast. In addition montelukast tablets contain the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, red ferric oxide, titanium dioxide, and yellow ferric oxide. Structural Formula
Mechanism of action
12.1 Mechanism of Action The cysteinyl leukotrienes (LTC 4 , LTD 4 , LTE 4 ) are products of arachidonic acid metabolism and are released from various cells, including mast cells and eosinophils. These eicosanoids bind to cysteinyl leukotriene (CysLT) receptors. The CysLT type-1 (CysLT 1 ) receptor is found in the human airway (including airway smooth muscle cells and airway macrophages) and on other pro-inflammatory cells (including eosinophils and certain myeloid stem cells). CysLTs have been correlated with the pathophysiology of asthma and allergic rhinitis. In asthma, leukotriene-mediated effects include airway edema, smooth muscle contraction, and altered cellular activity associated with the inflammatory process. In allergic rhinitis, CysLTs are released from the nasal mucosa after allergen exposure during both early- and late-phase reactions and are associated with symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Montelukast is an orally active compound that binds with high affinity and selectivity to the CysLT 1 receptor (in preference to other pharmacologically important airway receptors, such as the prostanoid, cholinergic, or β-adrenergic receptor). Montelukast inhibits physiologic actions of LTD 4 at the CysLT 1 receptor without any agonist activity.
How supplied
Montelukast sodium tablets, 10 mg are beige colored, round, biconvex, film coated tablets with "SZ 344" debossed on one side and plain on other side. They are available as follows: NDC 0781-5560-31: 30 tablets in one bottle NDC 0781-5560-92: 90 tablets in one bottle NDC 0781-5560-13: 100 tablets (10 x 10 Unit-dose) in one carton Storage Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from moisture and light. Store in original package.
Patient information
Advise the patient and/or caregiver to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
• Advise patients about the potential risk for serious neuropsychiatric symptoms and behavioral changes with montelukast sodium use [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] .
• Discuss the benefits and risks of montelukast sodium with patients when prescribing or continuing treatment with montelukast sodium [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] .
• Advise patients to monitor for changes in behavior or neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients taking montelukast sodium [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] .
• Instruct patients to discontinue montelukast sodium and contact a healthcare provider immediately if changes in behavior or thinking that are not typical for the patient occur, or if the patient develops suicidal ideation or suicidal behavior [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )].
• Advise patients to take montelukast sodium daily as prescribed, even when they are asymptomatic, as well as during periods of worsening asthma, and to contact their physicians if their asthma is not well controlled.
• Advise patients that oral montelukast sodium is not for the treatment of acute asthma attacks. They should have appropriate short-acting inhaled β-agonist medication available to treat asthma exacerbations. Patients who have exacerbations of asthma after exercise should be instructed to have available for rescue a short-acting inhaled β-agonist. Daily administration of montelukast sodium for the chronic treatment of asthma has not been established to prevent acute episodes of EIB [see Warnings and Precautions 5.2 )].
• Advise patients to seek medical attention if short-acting inhaled bronchodilators are needed more often than usual, or if more than the maximum number of inhalations of short-acting bronchodilator treatment prescribed for a 24-hour period are needed.
• Instruct patients to continue other anti-asthma medications as prescribed unless instructed by a physician.
• Instruct patients with known aspirin sensitivity to continue avoidance of aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents while taking montelukast sodium [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] .
Label text from the FDA structured product label by Sandoz Inc (revised Jun 13, 2025). Long sections are shortened; the complete label is on DailyMed.
Active ingredients
- Montelukast Sodium in 16 products
Montelukast NDC products (16)
| NDC | Strength & form | Labeler | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50090-6108 | Montelukast Sodium 10 mg/1 Tablet, Film Coated | A-S Medication Solutions | ANDA |
| 50090-6109 | Montelukast Sodium 10 mg/1 Tablet, Film Coated | A-S Medication Solutions | ANDA |
| 71610-563 | Montelukast Sodium 10 mg/1 Tablet, Film Coated | Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC | ANDA |
| 50268-556 | Montelukast Sodium 10 mg/1 Tablet, Film Coated | AvPAK | ANDA |
| 68001-361 | Montelukast Sodium 10 mg/1 Tablet | BluePoint Laboratories | ANDA |
| 71335-1979 | Montelukast Sodium 10 mg/1 Tablet, Film Coated | Bryant Ranch Prepack | ANDA |
| 67046-2060 | Montelukast Sodium 10 mg/1 Tablet | Coupler LLC | ANDA |
| 33342-102 | Montelukast Sodium 10 mg/1 Tablet | Macleods Pharmaceuticals Limited | ANDA |
| 68071-3855 | Montelukast Sodium 10 mg/1 Tablet | NuCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | ANDA |
| 68071-4034 | Montelukast Sodium 10 mg/1 Tablet | NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc. | ANDA |
| 68788-8099 | Montelukast Sodium 10 mg/1 Tablet, Film Coated | Preferred Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | ANDA |
| 63187-626 | Montelukast Sodium 5 mg/1 Tablet, Chewable | Proficient Rx LP | ANDA |
| 82009-009 | Montelukast Sodium 10 mg/1 Tablet, Film Coated | Quallent Pharmaceuticals Health LLC | ANDA |
| 70518-3133 | Montelukast Sodium 10 mg/1 Tablet, Film Coated | REMEDYREPACK INC. | ANDA |
| 0781-5560 | Montelukast Sodium 10 mg/1 Tablet, Film Coated | Sandoz Inc | ANDA |
| 72865-175 | Montelukast Sodium 10 mg/1 Tablet, Film Coated | XLCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. | ANDA |
Frequently asked questions
What is Montelukast used for?
Montelukast sodium tablets are a leukotriene receptor antagonist indicated for: • Prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma in patients 15 years of age and older ( 1.1 ). • Acute prevention of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in patients 15 years of age and older ( 1.2 ). • Relief of symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR): seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) in patients 15 years of age and…
What are the side effects of Montelukast?
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: • Neuropsychiatric Events [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5% and greater than placebo listed in descending order of frequency): upper respiratory infection, fever, headache, pharyngitis, cough, abdominal pain, diarrhea, otitis media, influenza,… See the full label for the complete list.
Who makes Montelukast?
Montelukast is listed by 15 labelers in the FDA NDC directory, including A-S Medication Solutions, Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC, AvPAK, BluePoint Laboratories.