Montelukast (Generic for Singulair®) for Asthma and Allergies

What Montelukast Is and How It Works

Montelukast 10 mg is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used to manage asthma, prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, and relieve symptoms of seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis. The medicine blocks cysteinyl leukotriene receptors in the airways and nasal passages. This reduces inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus production. Adults commonly use a montelukast 10 mg tablet once daily. Children may use lower strengths, including chewable tablets or granules. Montelukast is not a rescue treatment for sudden breathing problems.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba, and our pharmacists review every prescription before dispensing.

We also partner with licensed, vetted international pharmacies to source authentic brands and generics, offering a wide selection at affordable pricing. Montelukast tablets are prescription-only. Searches for montelukast over the counter are common, but a valid montelukast prescription (montelukast rx) is required. The active ingredient is often labeled montelukast sodium; you may also see montelukast sodium generic on packaging.

Uses include long-term control of persistent asthma, prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm when taken before activity, and relief of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) symptoms such as sneezing, itchy nose, and congestion. Some clinicians may use montelukast for cough when asthma or upper airway inflammation contributes to symptoms.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescriber’s directions and the product label. Typical oral dosing patterns include the following:

• Adults and adolescents 15 years and older: 10 mg tablet once daily.
• Allergic rhinitis: take at any time of day, consistently each day.
• Asthma: many patients take the daily dose in the evening.
• Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction: 10 mg at least 2 hours before exercise; do not take an extra dose within 24 hours.
• Children 6–14 years: 5 mg chewable once daily, as directed by a clinician.
• Children 2–5 years: 4 mg chewable or granules once daily, if prescribed.
• Do not use for sudden asthma attacks; keep a rescue inhaler available as directed by your clinician.
• Missed dose: take when remembered unless near the next dose; do not double doses.
• Swallow film-coated tablets whole; chew chewable tablets thoroughly; use granules as directed.
• Consult a clinician before changing asthma or allergy medications.

Storage and travel tips:

• Store montelukast tablets at room temperature, about 15–30°C (59–86°F).
• Keep in the original container with the label and desiccant, away from moisture and heat.
• Do not store in a bathroom. Protect from light.
• When traveling, keep medicine in your carry-on with a copy of your prescription.
• Do not use tablets that are cracked, discolored, or past the expiry date.
• Keep out of reach of children; use child-resistant caps properly.

Benefits and Savings

Montelukast for asthma can help reduce daytime and nighttime symptoms, improve lung function, and decrease the need for rescue inhalers. For allergic rhinitis, montelukast allergy medication may ease sneezing, nasal itching, and congestion. Once-daily dosing is convenient and may support adherence. Many patients use montelukast for seasonal allergies during peak pollen months, then reassess with their clinician.

As a singulair generic, montelukast offers strong value. Ordering from YouDrugstore gives you Canadian pricing, often 60–80% less than typical US costs. Montelukast price varies by strength, quantity, and brand vs generic. Multi-month supplies can lower the per-month montelukast cost, and we offer optional reorder reminders to help you stay on track.

Side Effects and Safety

• Headache
• Abdominal pain or dyspepsia
• Diarrhea or nausea
• Cough or upper respiratory infection
• Fever
• Dizziness
• Rash or mild skin irritation
• Fatigue
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or vivid dreams
• Tooth pain in some users

Serious but uncommon risks include neuropsychiatric events (agitation, anxiety, depression, abnormal dreams, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts or actions), eosinophilia and vasculitis resembling Churg–Strauss syndrome, severe allergic reactions, and liver enzyme elevations. Seek medical help right away for mood or behavior changes, severe rash, swelling, breathing difficulty, or signs of liver problems (e.g., dark urine, jaundice). Do not use montelukast 10 mg for acute bronchospasm.

Onset Time

Symptom relief for allergic rhinitis may begin within the first day. Asthma control often improves within several days, with full effect in about 1–2 weeks of regular use. For exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, taking the dose at least 2 hours before activity provides protection for many patients through the exercise period. If control remains inadequate after a few weeks, discuss the regimen with your clinician.

Compare With Alternatives

Brand-name Singulair® contains the same active ingredient as generic montelukast sodium tablets. Patients who prefer a specific manufacturer or tablet format can discuss options during checkout. Many choose montelukast medicine as a cost-effective alternative to the brand, while maintaining the same mechanism and dose strengths.

Inhaled corticosteroids are first-line for persistent asthma. Budesonide is a common option available as devices such as the Pulmicort® Turbuhaler. Inhaled steroids work directly in the airways to reduce inflammation. Montelukast can be used alone in mild cases or as add-on therapy when inhaled steroids alone do not fully control symptoms.

For allergic rhinitis, non-drowsy antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine) or intranasal steroids can be effective. Montelukast for allergies may be considered when patients prefer an oral option, have concurrent asthma, or need additional relief with other therapies. Your clinician can help tailor a plan that balances efficacy, side effects, and convenience.

Combination Therapy

• With inhaled corticosteroids: montelukast can be added if control is incomplete.
• With long-acting beta-agonist/inhaled steroid combinations: use as an adjunct when indicated.
• With intranasal corticosteroids or oral antihistamines for allergic rhinitis.
• For exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, time the dose at least 2 hours before activity.
• Do not stop or reduce inhaled steroids abruptly without clinician guidance.
• No known effect on blood sugar; hypoglycemia precautions are generally not required.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Montelukast used for asthma and allergic rhinitis suits many patients who need daily control or pre-exercise protection. It is not appropriate for emergency treatment of sudden wheezing. People with a history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions should review risks and benefits with their clinician, given the potential for neuropsychiatric side effects.

Use caution in liver disease. Chewable tablets may contain phenylalanine, which matters for phenylketonuria (PKU). Discuss use in pregnancy or breastfeeding with a healthcare professional. Some patients explore montelukast for cough related to asthma; this should be guided by a clinician to confirm the cause and the right plan.

To save on montelukast tablets, choose generic montelukast sodium 10 mg when appropriate, compare pack sizes, and consider a 90-day supply to reduce the monthly price. You can order online or by phone, and our chat team is available during posted office hours. Reorder reminders can help maintain continuity so you do not run out.

Authoritative Sources

Merck Singulair Prescribing Information (US)

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Montelukast (Singulair)

FDA Medication Guide for Montelukast

Order Montelukast from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.