Managing Montelukast Oral Tablet Side Effects: A Guide
Montelukast: A Comprehensive Look at Its Uses, Side Effects, and Potential Risks
Montelukast, marketed under the brand name Singulair, is a medication commonly used to treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis in adults and children aged 15 years and older who either cannot use other treatments or have not found sufficient relief with them. It is also used to treat asthma in the same age group, and to help prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in adults and children aged 6 years and older [1].
While Montelukast has proven beneficial for many, it's essential to be aware of its potential side effects and risks. One of the most significant concerns is the possibility of neuropsychiatric events, such as mood changes, aggression, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, and behavioral changes. These serious side effects have led to a black box warning from the FDA [1][4][5]. Other reported neurological symptoms include tremors and numbness or tingling in the limbs [1].
Gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting are also common side effects, as are headaches and upper respiratory tract infections [1][2][3].
Montelukast may cause a mild cough, which can be treated with home remedies or over-the-counter treatments. However, more serious liver problems, including liver injury, have been reported since the drug was approved for use. Symptoms of liver problems can include jaundice, abdominal pain or swelling, itchy skin, dark-colored urine, and pale-colored stool [1].
It's important to note that Montelukast may interact with alcohol and aspirin, potentially causing liver problems and asthma attacks. Therefore, patients are advised to inform their healthcare providers about their alcohol consumption and use of aspirin [1].
Montelukast may cause an increased level of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell. Rarely, an increased eosinophil level can lead to severe vasculitis (swelling throughout your blood vessels). Symptoms of vasculitis can include numbness or "pins and needles" sensations in your arms or legs, severe inflammation in your sinuses, skin rash, flu-like symptoms, and breathing difficulties [1].
Montelukast is typically a long-term treatment, but it does pass into breast milk. Therefore, pregnant women and those breastfeeding should discuss the risks and benefits of taking Montelukast with their healthcare providers [1].
Life-threatening allergic skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, have been reported with Montelukast. Symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome can include discolored skin patches that blister and peel in various areas, raw, painful areas of skin, body aches, fever, and flu-like symptoms [1].
While Montelukast is generally safe to take during pregnancy, the risks and benefits should be carefully weighed by the physician with regular follow-up [1][4][5]. Montelukast does not cause weight gain or weight loss as a side effect [1].
In clinical trials, the only liver problem reported was mildly elevated liver enzyme levels [1]. However, it's crucial for patients taking Montelukast to be closely monitored by healthcare providers, especially for any changes in mood or behavior. Patients should report any such symptoms immediately because these side effects can be severe and impact quality of life significantly [1][4].
| Side Effect Category | Possible Effects | |------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------| | Neuropsychiatric | Mood changes, aggression, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, agitation, irritability | | Neurological | Tremors, numbness, tingling in limbs | | Gastrointestinal | Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting | | Common mild symptoms | Headache, upper respiratory infections | | Allergic reactions | Possible but less common | | Liver problems | Mildly elevated liver enzyme levels, liver injury (rare) | | Vasculitis | Numbness or "pins and needles" sensations, severe inflammation in sinuses, skin rash, flu-like symptoms, breathing difficulties (rare) | | Stevens-Johnson syndrome | Discolored skin patches, raw, painful areas of skin, body aches, fever, flu-like symptoms (rare) |
In conclusion, while Montelukast can be an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis, asthma, and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, it's crucial to be aware of its potential side effects and risks. Patients should discuss these with their healthcare providers and report any concerning symptoms promptly.
[1] Drugs.com. (n.d.). Montelukast. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/mtm/montelukast.html [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021, March 11). Montelukast (Oral Route, Chewable Tablet, Extended-Release Tablet, Liquid-Filled Capsule). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/montelukast-oral-route-chewable-tablet-extended-release-tablet-liquid-filled-capsule/description/drg-20073034 [3] National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Montelukast. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601103.html [4] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2012, October 23). FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA strengthens warning about risk of neuropsychiatric events with asthma and allergy medication montelukast (Singulair, generic). Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-strengthens-warning-about-risk-neuropsychiatric-events-asthma-and [5] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2017, August 1). FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA updates warning about potential neuropsychiatric events with asthma and allergy medication montelukast (Singulair, generic). Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-updates-warning-about-potential-neuropsychiatric-events-asthma-and
- The science behind Montelukast, a medication used for treating symptoms of allergic rhinitis and asthma, is extensive, but it's crucial to consider its potential side effects and risks, including neuropsychiatric events, as indicated by health-and-wellness deciders.
- Montelukast may lead to serious mental-health issues like mood changes, aggression, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, and behavioral changes, as per the FDA's black box warning.
- In the realm of medicare, it's essential for patients to consult with their healthcare providers about potential interactions between Montelukast and alcohol or aspirin, which could potentially cause liver problems and asthma attacks.
- Skin-care concerned individuals should be aware of the rare yet life-threatening allergic reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which can present symptoms such as discolored skin patches, raw, painful areas of skin, body aches, fever, and flu-like symptoms.
- In therapies-and-treatments, the drug is usually a long-term solution; however, pregnant women and those breastfeeding should discuss the risks and benefits of taking Montelukast with their healthcare providers due to its potential impact on the infant's health.
