montelukast
Montelukast is used to prevent wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and coughing caused by asthma in adults and children 12 months of age and older. Montelukast is also used to prevent bronchospasm (breathing difficulties) during exercise in adults and children 6 years of age and older. Montelukast is also used to treat the symptoms of seasonal (occurs only at certain times of the year), allergic rhinitis (a condition associated with sneezing and stuffy, runny or itchy nose) in adults and children 2 years of age and older, and perennial (occurs all year round) allergic rhinitis in adults and children 6 months of age and older. Montelukast should be used to treat seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis only in adults and children who cannot be treated with other medications. Montelukast is in a class of medications called leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs). It works by blocking the action of substances in the body that cause the symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Decisions about medication use during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking montelukast affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
According to the MotherToBaby fact sheet, studies have not been done in humans to see if montelukast can make it harder to get pregnant. Animal studies showed no effect on fertility. Any concerns about fertility should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Does taking montelukast increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many reasons, and it is not known whether montelukast can increase that chance. One study cited in the fact sheet did not show an increased rate of miscarriage with montelukast use during pregnancy. This is something to talk through with your healthcare provider.
Does taking montelukast increase the risk of birth defects?
Every pregnancy starts with a 3–5% background chance of a birth defect. The fact sheet notes that most available information, including medical record reviews of thousands of exposed pregnancies and additional studies of over 200 exposed pregnancies, has not suggested an increased chance of birth defects above background. Your healthcare provider can help put this information in the context of your situation.
Can taking montelukast during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
A few studies have reported complications such as lower birth weight, preterm delivery, and preeclampsia when montelukast was used during pregnancy. However, the people in these studies often had severe asthma and sometimes used more than one medication, so it is not clear whether the complications were due to montelukast, the underlying condition, or other factors. One study did not find a difference in birth weight compared with babies exposed to other asthma treatments. Discuss your individual situation with your healthcare provider.
Can taking montelukast during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
The fact sheet states that studies have not been done to see whether montelukast can increase the chance of behavior or learning issues for the child. Because this question has not been studied, it is best to discuss it with your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking montelukast?
Montelukast passes into breastmilk in small amounts, and one study found that nursing infants would likely receive less of the medication through breastmilk than the dose used to treat an infant directly. The fact sheet notes that usually no special precautions are required when using montelukast while breastfeeding, but you should talk with your healthcare provider about your individual breastfeeding questions.
Source: MotherToBaby Fact Sheet
montelukast