Montelukast

Montelukast has generally been well tolerated. Side efects are usually mild and in most instances, do not require the discontinuation of therapy. They include:

• Stuffy or runny nose.
• Belly pain.
• Sore throat.
• Headache.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Loose stools.

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you experience these, or any other unusual effects, especially if you experience any allergic reactions (swollen face, lips or tongues, difficulty breathing, itchy rashes), change in mood or flu-like symptoms (temperature above 38°C, aches, headaches).

Montelukast should be taken once daily as directed by the doctor. The medication should be continued even if asthma is under control and only stopped on instructions by your doctor. It should also be continued during periods of worsening asthma.

If child is taking:

4mg Oral Granules

• The granules should be consumed within 15 minutes of opening the sachet.
• The medication can be mixed with a spoonful of the following room temperature food: apple sauce, mashed carrots, breast milk, porridge, rice, milk or water.
• Alternatively, the medication can be fed directly into the child's mouth.
• Do not dissolve or crush the granules.
• Do not keep granules/food mixture to give later.

5mg Chewable Tablets

• Chew well before swallowing.
• It should be taken at least 1 hour before, or 2 hours after food.

10mg Oral Tablets

• Swallow whole with a glass of water, juice or milk. Do not crush, cut or dissolve the tablets.
• It can be taken with or without food.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If you remember a missed dose at the time of your next dose, omit the missed dose and take only your regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#Store at room temperature;#

Montelukast may take up to a few weeks before its full effect is seen. Continue to give montelukast to your child during this time together with their other asthma medicines according to the doctor's instructions.

Montelukast has not been shown to be effective for the treatment of asthma attacks. Therefore, an appropriate rescue medication (e.g. salbutamol inhaler) should be readily available.