5.13 Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists

Montelukast is a leukotriene antagonist medication with a distinctly shaped tablet. See Figure 5.18.[1]

Mechanism of Action

Montelukast blocks leukotriene receptors and decreases inflammation.

Indications for Use

Montelukast is used for the long-term control of asthma and for decreasing the frequency of asthma attacks.  It is also indicated for exercise-induced bronchospasm and allergic rhinitis.

Nursing Considerations Across the Lifespan

The medication is safe for children 12 months and older. It is available in granule packets and chewable tablets, as well as regular tablets.

Adverse/Side Effects

Montelukast can cause headache, cough, nasal congestion, nausea, and hepatotoxicity.[2]

Photo of Singular brand montelukast tablets
Figure 5.18 Montelukast Tablets

Patient Teaching & Education

Patients should be instructed to take medications at the same time each day and at least two hours prior to exercise.  They should not discontinue medications without notifying the healthcare provider.[3]

Now let’s take a closer look at the medication grid on montelukast in Table 5.13.[4],[5], [6],[7]

Table 5.13 Montelukast Medication Grid

Class/Subclass
Prototype/Generic
Administration Considerations
Therapeutic Effects
Adverse/Side Effects
Leukotriene inhibitor montelukast Use as directed; not to be used as “rescue” medication

Typically 3-7 days to reach effectiveness

 Prevention and treatment of asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction Headache

Cough

Nasal congestion

Nausea

Hepatotoxicity

 

  1. "Singulair 10mg" by FedEx is licenced under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 ↵
  2. Frandsen, G. & Pennington, S. (2018). Abrams’ clinical drug: Rationales for nursing practice (11th ed.). Wolters Kluwer. ↵
  3. uCentral from Unbound Medicine. https://www.unboundmedicine.com/ucentral ↵
  4. This work is a derivative of Pharmacology Notes: Nursing Implications for Clinical Practice by Gloria Velarde licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. ↵
  5. Frandsen, G. & Pennington, S. (2018). Abrams’ clinical drug: Rationales for nursing practice (11th ed.). Wolters Kluwer. ↵
  6. This work is a derivative of Daily Med by U.S. National Library of Medicine in the public domain. ↵
  7. Adams, M., Holland, N., & Urban, C. (2020). Pharmacology for nurses: A pathophysiologic approach (6th ed.). pp. 622-63 & 626. Pearson. ↵

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5.13 Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists by Nursing Pharmacology by Chippewa Valley Technical College is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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