Drug class · Respiratory
Leukotriene receptor antagonists
Montelukast is a prescription medicine that helps prevent asthma symptoms. Asthma and Lung UK describes it as an add-on taken alongside the regular preventer inhaler.
Mechanism of action
Montelukast and zafirlukast block cysteinyl leukotriene type 1 receptors but not type 2 receptors. StatPearls says eosinophils are the main source of cysteinyl leukotrienes, which are important in recruiting more eosinophils.
Members of the class
montelukastzafirlukast
Members with a page on this site are linked.
Conditions treated
Cautions
- The MHRA warns that montelukast can cause neuropsychiatric reactions, including sleep disorders, hallucinations and changes in behaviour and mood.
- The MHRA advises patients to speak to their prescriber immediately, or seek urgent medical attention, if these reactions occur.
Class warnings
- The MHRA warns that montelukast can cause neuropsychiatric reactions, including sleep disorders, hallucinations and changes in behaviour and mood. UK
Class interactions
| With | Effect | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Some epilepsy medicines, rifampicin and gemfibrozil | The NHS lists epilepsy medicines such as phenobarbital or phenytoin, rifampicin and gemfibrozil as medicines to mention to a doctor or pharmacist before taking montelukast. | UK |
Open the Drug Interaction Checker
Connected pages in detail
What each linked page on Anatomy Nexus covers, in a line, for Leukotriene receptor antagonists.
Conditions
- Asthma A chronic inflammatory disease of the airways causing reversible narrowing, with episodes of wheeze, breathlessness, chest tightness and cough.
Medications
- Montelukast Montelukast is a prescription medicine that helps prevent asthma symptoms.
Educational content. A drug class page describes what a family of medicines has in common. Individual medicines differ in dose, licensing and interactions; treatment choices belong to a prescriber.