Montelukast

Montelukast is an ‘add-on’ treatment that your health practitioner may prescribe if you are having difficulty controlling your asthma. It will be used as well as your regular inhalers.

Montelukast works by blocking some of the chemicals that cause inflammation and narrowing of the airways.

Montelukast comes in a tablet form and can either be swallowed with water before or after food or taken as a chewable tablet on an empty stomach.

Side effects

There can be side effects with this medication, but these should improve within two weeks as your body gets used to the medication. If these side effects persist, or you are worried, then contact your healthcare practitioner.

Common side effects can include:

• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Rash
• Sore throat or throat infection

Less common side effects can include:

• Sleep problems
• Muscle pain
• Changes in mood – anxiety, depression or irritability

A very rare potential side effect is extreme distress or suicidal thoughts. See your healthcare practitioner immediately if you experience these symptoms or a change in behaviour or mood or sleep disturbances.