Description
Montair Chewable 5 Mg Tablets
Montair Chewable 5 Mg Tablets contain montelukast 5 mg in a chewable form for children. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist. It blocks leukotrienes, chemicals that cause airway swelling, mucus production and narrowing of the airways. It is prescribed to prevent asthma symptoms and attacks in children, to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, and to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis. It is not a rescue medicine for an acute asthma attack. It is usually taken once daily in the evening.
Composition
| Ingredient | Strength |
|---|---|
| Montelukast (as montelukast sodium) | 5 mg per chewable tablet |
| Excipients, including sweetening and flavouring agents | As listed on the pack insert |
Product Details
Montair Chewable 5 Mg Tablets are chewable tablets intended for oral use in children. Montelukast is a prescription-only medicine in most countries, and a valid prescription and the advice of a qualified doctor or pharmacist are needed before use. The chewable tablets contain phenylalanine, so the pack insert should be checked by anyone with phenylketonuria. Important safety information about neuropsychiatric effects applies to all montelukast products (see Precautions).
Mechanism of Action
Montelukast selectively blocks the cysteinyl leukotriene CysLT1 receptor. Leukotrienes released in the airways cause bronchoconstriction, mucus production and inflammation. By blocking their receptor, montelukast reduces airway narrowing and inflammation, so asthma symptoms and allergic nasal symptoms are reduced. The effect builds with regular daily use rather than acting immediately.
Indications
- Prophylaxis and long-term management of asthma in children, as directed by the prescriber
- Prevention of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction
- Relief of symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis in children
Dosage and Administration
The dose is set by the prescriber according to the child’s age, weight and condition. The 5 mg chewable tablet is usually given once daily in the evening. Chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing, and it can be given with or without food. Do not give it to treat a sudden asthma attack; keep the rescue inhaler available for that purpose. Do not stop the medicine without medical advice, as symptoms may return. The prescriber should review treatment regularly to check whether it is still needed.
Special Populations
Children: use only as directed by a doctor, with the dose matched to the child’s age and weight. Parents and carers should watch closely for mood or behaviour changes.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: not relevant for paediatric use, but any adult who needs montelukast should discuss risks and benefits with a doctor.
Kidney and liver impairment: no dose adjustment is usually needed for mild impairment; the prescriber should review use in moderate to severe liver disease.
Precautions
- Neuropsychiatric events: montelukast can cause mood and behaviour changes, including agitation, aggression, sleep disturbance, depression, suicidal thoughts and actions, and vivid dreams. Stop the medicine and contact a doctor promptly if any of these develop in a child.
- Do not stop an inhaled corticosteroid or other asthma treatment when starting montelukast, unless the prescriber decides otherwise.
- Asthma that is getting worse, needing more rescue inhaler use, or causing breathlessness at rest requires urgent medical review.
- Aspirin-sensitive asthma: some children may react to aspirin or NSAIDs. Tell the doctor if this applies.
- Phenylketonuria: the chewable tablets contain phenylalanine, and the pack insert should be checked before use.
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to montelukast or any excipient in the product
Side Effects
Common: headache, abdominal pain, cough, upper respiratory infection, diarrhoea, nausea, fever, tiredness.
Uncommon: sleep disturbance, agitation, irritability, anxiety, dizziness, rash, nosebleed, thirst.
Rare: depression, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts and actions, liver enzyme changes, allergic reactions including swelling of the face or throat, bruising and bleeding tendency.
Seek urgent medical help for breathing difficulty, swelling of the face, lips or throat, hives, or any severe or worrying mood or behaviour change in the child.
Drug Interactions
- Phenobarbital, phenytoin and rifampicin: may reduce montelukast levels; the prescriber may need to review the dose.
- Gemfibrozil: increases montelukast levels; use with caution.
- Aspirin and NSAIDs: some asthma patients may react to them, which can affect asthma control.
- Other asthma medicines, including inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators: continue as prescribed unless the doctor advises a change.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine, herbal product and supplement the child takes.
Storage
Store below 30 degrees Celsius in the original blister or package, protected from moisture and light. Keep out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date on the pack.
Related Products
- Montair Chewable Tablets 4 Mg Tablets: the lower chewable strength, prescribed as directed for younger children.
- Montair 10 Mg Tablets: the adult and adolescent strength (15 years and over). Do not substitute without medical advice.
- Montair LC Kid 4+2.5 Mg Tablets: a combination product with levocetirizine; it is not interchangeable with this product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can it be given with food?
Yes, it can be given with or without food. Chew thoroughly before swallowing.
Can it treat an asthma attack?
No. Montelukast is a preventer. Keep the rescue inhaler for sudden symptoms and seek urgent help if breathing is difficult.
What if a dose is missed?
Give it as soon as remembered, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Do not give two doses at once.
What should I watch for?
Changes in sleep, mood, behaviour or thoughts. Report them promptly to the doctor.
References
- NHS: Montelukast. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/montelukast/
- electronic Medicines Compendium (emc): Montelukast summary of product characteristics. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc
- U.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed: Montelukast labelling and boxed warning. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
Disclaimer
This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor or pharmacist. Check dosing, contraindications and warnings against the pack insert and the prescriber’s instructions. Do not start, stop or change this medicine without medical advice.
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