Season

Montelukast tablets are common in Pakistani allergy and chest clinics, from allergy OPDs at PIMS Islamabad to asthma units in Jinnah Hospital Karachi, where pulmonologists prescribe them for chronic asthma control or seasonal rhinitis flares. As a leukotriene blocker, it’s PMDC-approved for prophylaxis in pollen-heavy springs or dust-triggered wheezing, but never for acute attacks—often paired with inhalers per local GINA adaptations. Generics in 10mg tabs or chewables cost PKR 200-400 per strip—stock via Servaid or Dawaai.pk—pulled from respiratory protocols, doc’s script required.

Ingredients

• Active Ingredient: Montelukast sodium (10mg, 5mg, or 4mg equivalents).
• Excipients: Microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, aspartame in chewables—check for phenylketonuria.

Drug Class

Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist (LTRA).

How It Functions

Montelukast blocks CysLT1 receptors, stopping leukotriene-driven inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus in airways. In Pakistan’s urban smog and rural dust bowls, it curbs early/late responses to allergens, but docs stress it’s add-on, not standalone for poor control.

Common Applications

Local pulmo guidelines cover:

• Prophylaxis/chronic asthma management.
• Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction prevention.
• Allergic rhinitis (seasonal or perennial).

Dosage Form

Tablets, chewables, or granules taken orally once daily in evening.

Potential Side Effects

Common: Headache, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea.

Others: Drowsiness, irritability, insomnia, rash.

Serious from reports: Neuropsychiatric (hallucinations, mood changes), anaphylaxis, bleeding tendency, liver issues. ER for swelling, severe agitation, or breathing worsening.

Key Warnings and Precautions

PMDC notes:

• Acute Asthma: Not for attacks—use relievers.
• Psych: Monitor mood/behavior, especially kids; rare suicidality reports.
• Steroids: Careful taper when adding.
• Pregnancy: Category B—use if needed, supervised.
• Grapefruit: Avoid—may alter levels.

Elderly or liver-impaired get standard dosing; no tobacco.

When It’s Not Suitable (Contraindications)

Skip if:

• Hypersensitive to montelukast or components.
• Acute asthma/status asthmaticus.

Drug Interactions

Minimal major, but flag:

• No big food clashes beyond grapefruit.
• Phenobarbital/rifampin—may reduce efficacy.

In Case of Overdose

Abdominal pain, thirst, hyperactivity—seek doc for supportive care.

Missed Dose

Take soon as remembered; skip if near next, no double.

Storage and Disposal

Room temp (15-30°C), dry, light/moisture-free, kid-proof. Pharmacy disposal unused.

Quick Tips

• Evening dose for asthma.
• Chewables chewed, granules mixed in soft food (not liquids).
• Full dose within 15 min of sachet open.

Doctor Review

Pulmonologists at NICVD or allergy specialists in AKUH use montelukast as step-up for allergic asthma unresponsive to low ICS, favoring 10mg evenings in adults amid high pollen seasons, but neuropsych screens and spirometry guide starts per Pakistan Thoracic Society—kids get granules for compliance.

Laboratory Screening

Routine:

• Spirometry for lung function.
• Allergy skin/prick tests.

This spots montelukast’s allergy-asthma role in Pakistan—context check, specialist steers.

Disclaimer: This is product information only, not a prescription or diagnosis. Consult a qualified Pakistani doctor before using montelukast to ensure it’s safe. Seek immediate care for severe symptoms like mood changes, swelling, or acute breathing issues.