Proper Use
Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®
Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
This medicine comes with a patient information insert. Read and follow the instructions in the insert carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Montelukast is used to prevent asthma attacks. It is not used to relieve an attack that has already started. For relief of an asthma attack that has already started, you should use another inhaled medicine. If you do not have an inhaled medicine to use for an attack, or if you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
To work properly, montelukast must be taken at the same time each day, even if your asthma seems better.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
For patients taking the oral granules:
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Open the packet until you are ready to use it.
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The oral granules may either be swallowed whole, or dissolved in 1 teaspoonful (5 mL) of cold or room temperature baby formula or breast milk, or mixed with a spoonful of soft food, such as applesauce, carrots, rice, or ice cream. The oral granules should not be chewed. Do not mix this medicine with any other liquid other than baby formula or breast milk.
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The mixed medicine must be given within 15 minutes and must not be stored for future use.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
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For treatment and prevention of asthma:
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For oral dosage form (tablets):
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Adults and children 15 years of age and older—10 milligrams (mg) once a day in the evening.
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Children younger than 15 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For oral dosage form (chewable tablets):
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Children 6 to 14 years of age—5 milligrams (mg) once a day in the evening.
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Children 2 to 5 years of age—4 mg once a day in the evening.
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Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For oral dosage form (granules):
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Children 2 to 5 years of age—4 milligrams (mg) (one packet) once a day in the evening.
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Children 12 to 23 months of age—4 mg (one packet) once a day in the evening.
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Children younger than 12 months of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For prevention of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction:
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For oral dosage form (tablets):
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Adults and children 15 years of age and older—10 milligrams (mg) at least 2 hours before exercise. Do not take a second dose within 24 hours of your regular dose.
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Children younger than 15 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For oral dosage form (chewable tablets):
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Children 6 to 14 years of age—5 milligrams (mg) at least 2 hours before exercise. Do not take a second dose within 24 hours of your regular dose.
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Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For perennial allergic rhinitis:
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For oral dosage form (tablets):
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Adults 15 years of age and older—10 milligrams (mg) once a day in the evening.
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Children younger than 15 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For oral dosage form (chewable tablets):
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Children 6 to 14 years of age—5 milligrams (mg) once a day in the evening.
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Children 2 to 5 years of age—4 mg once a day in the evening.
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Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For oral dosage form (granules):
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Children 2 to 5 years of age—4 milligrams (mg) (one packet) once a day in the evening.
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Children 6 months to 23 months of age—4 mg (one packet) once a day in the evening.
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Children younger than 6 months of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For seasonal allergic rhinitis:
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For oral dosage form (tablets):
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Adults and children 15 years of age and older—10 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken in the morning or evening.
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Children younger than 15 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For oral dosage form (chewable tablets):
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Children 6 to 14 years of age—5 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken in the morning or evening.
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Children 2 to 5 years of age—4 mg once a day, taken in the morning or evening.
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Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
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For oral dosage form (granules):
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Children 2 to 5 years of age—4 milligrams (mg) (one packet) once a day, taken in the morning or evening.
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Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Store the chewable tablets, oral granules, and tablets in its original package or container.
Portions of this document last updated: March 01, 2024
Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.