Montelukast
Montelukast is a anti-allergy and asthma preventer found in 28 medicines sold in India, such as Montair 10, Crizlife 10, Breaze 10. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.
What it is used for
Prevents asthma attacks and reduces allergic nose symptoms.
How it works
It blocks leukotrienes, chemicals that narrow the airways and cause allergic swelling. It prevents asthma symptoms but does not relieve an attack.
How to take it
Adults take 10 mg once a day in the evening; children get 4 or 5 mg chewables or granules. Keep taking it even when well, and keep a reliever inhaler for attacks.
Common side effects
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
- Upper respiratory infection
Get medical help straight away if
- Mood or behaviour changes, bad dreams, agitation, depression or suicidal thoughts (stop and tell your doctor)
- Pins and needles with rash (rare vasculitis)
Be careful
Can rarely cause mood changes or bad dreams; tell your doctor if this happens.
Other medicines and interactions
Phenobarbital and rifampicin can lower its level. Otherwise few interactions.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
May be continued in pregnancy if it controls asthma well; uncontrolled asthma is a bigger risk. Ask your doctor about breastfeeding.
Brands of Montelukast (12)
Combination medicines that contain Montelukast (16)
Common questions
What is Montelukast used for?
Prevents asthma attacks and reduces allergic nose symptoms.
How does Montelukast work?
It blocks leukotrienes, chemicals that narrow the airways and cause allergic swelling. It prevents asthma symptoms but does not relieve an attack.
How should I take Montelukast?
Adults take 10 mg once a day in the evening; children get 4 or 5 mg chewables or granules. Keep taking it even when well, and keep a reliever inhaler for attacks.
What are the side effects of Montelukast?
Common: Headache, stomach pain, diarrhoea, upper respiratory infection. Get help straight away for: Mood or behaviour changes, bad dreams, agitation, depression or suicidal thoughts (stop and tell your doctor), pins and needles with rash (rare vasculitis).
Does Montelukast interact with other medicines?
Phenobarbital and rifampicin can lower its level. Otherwise few interactions.
Is Montelukast safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
May be continued in pregnancy if it controls asthma well; uncontrolled asthma is a bigger risk. Ask your doctor about breastfeeding.
Does Montelukast need a prescription in India?
Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.
Which brands contain Montelukast?
Allegra-M, Breaze 10, Crizlife 10, Glemont 10, L Montus, L-Hist Mont, Lasma-10, Laveta M, Levocet M, Lukotas 10, Montair 10, Montair FX, Montair LC, Montas-L, Montek 10, Montek LC, Montemac 10, Montemac L, Monticope, Montina L, Montu-10, Odimont 10, Odimont-LC, Romilast 10, Teczine M and 3 more.
Sources and further reading
- Montelukast: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.
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