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Proper Use
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.
For patients taking the oral granule form of this medicine—It may be taken on a full or empty stomach. The packet of oral granules may either be swallowed whole or mixed with a spoonful of soft food, such as applesauce, carrots, rice, or ice cream. The oral granules should not be chewed.
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.
- For seasonal or perennial allergies or asthma:
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
- Adults and teenagers 15 years of age and older—10 milligrams (mg) once a day in the evening.
- Children and teenagers younger than 15 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For oral dosage form (chewable tablets):
- Children and teenagers 6 to 14 years of age—5 milligrams (mg) once a day in the evening.
- Children 2 to 5 years of age—4 mg once a day in the evening.
- Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For oral dosage form (granules):
- Children 2 to 5 years of age—4 milligrams (mg), one packet, once a day in the evening.
- Infants 6 to 23 months of age—4 mg, one packet, once a day in the evening.
- Infants younger than 6 months of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
- For exercise-induced asthma:
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
- Adults and teenagers 15 years of age and older—10 milligrams (mg) at least two hours before exercise. If you use this medicine for asthma or allergies, do not take a second dose within 24 hours of your regular dose.
- Children and teenagers younger than 15 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
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.
