Several studies have looked at the effects of montelukast for
asthma or
allergies.
In studies of montelukast for asthma, people taking the drug had fewer asthma attacks and fewer daytime and nighttime
asthma symptoms when compared to those not taking it. Montelukast was also shown to be safe and effective for treating
asthma in children as young as 12 months old. Studies have shown that montelukast is effective for
exercise-induced asthma as well. When taken two hours before exercise, the medication helped to prevent exercise-induced
symptoms of asthma.
In studies of montelukast for allergies, people taking it had less nasal congestion, nasal itching, sneezing, and runny nose compared to those not taking it. Montelukast has been shown to be safe and effective for adults and children as young as two years old (for seasonal allergies) or as young as six months old (for year-round allergies).
When and How to Take Montelukast
General considerations for when and how to take montelukast include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth once a day (in the evening, if used for asthma), although some people take it only before exercising (for treating exercise-induced asthma).
- Montelukast also comes as a chewable tablet and oral granules (for use in younger children).
- The oral granules can be given directly in the mouth, dissolved in a teaspoonful of cold or room-temperature baby formula or breast milk, or mixed with a spoonful of cold or room-temperature soft applesauce, strained carrots, rice, or ice cream.
- The medication can be taken with or without food. If it bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Montelukast should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Montelukast will not work if you stop taking it.
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