Airing

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Airing

Property Description
Active ingredient Montelukast sodium
Form Film-coated tablet, Chewable tablet, Oral granules
Pharmacological class Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist (LTRA)
Common use Foundational support for chronic respiratory inflammation
Origin Synthetic oral compound

Defining the Therapeutic Class and Composition

Airing is a prescription medication containing the single active ingredient Montelukast sodium, a synthetic oral compound classified as a Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist (LTRA). This medication works by blocking specific inflammatory pathways.

Its formal pharmacological class is more precisely defined as a CysLT1 receptor antagonist, which identifies its specific mechanism of targeting certain immune mediators. This foundational, systemic treatment distinguishes it from agents like inhaled corticosteroids or beta agonists, as Airing is frequently positioned for long-term control in chronic respiratory management.


Formulations and General Systemic Purpose

The active ingredient, Montelukast sodium, is formulated for oral administration in several pharmaceutical preparations, including a film-coated tablet, a chewable tablet, and oral granules. This range of forms is a key feature, allowing for flexible administration in diverse patient groups, including pediatric patients and adults.

The primary purpose of this Leukotriene modifier is to provide continuous foundational support for conditions associated with ongoing airway reactivity, such as Asthma and Allergic rhinitis. As a leukotriene modifier, it is used to manage the underlying inflammation in these conditions. By performing its selective blocking action, the drug helps maintain open airways and mitigates the pathological processes of airway edema and bronchoconstriction over time.

What side effects are possible with Airing?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The following safety information for Airing is strictly based on documented findings from government regulatory authorities.

Serious and Clinically Significant Risks

Regulatory documents emphasize the risk of severe liver damage (hepatotoxicity), which can result in liver failure, the need for a liver transplant, or death. This serious risk is primarily associated with doses that exceed the maximum recommended daily limit.

Rare, but serious and potentially fatal, skin reactions are also documented. These include conditions such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), and Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP), along with other signs of serious hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions like angioedema.

Adverse Reactions by Frequency

Adverse reactions have been classified based on frequency as reported in clinical studies and post-marketing surveillance:

  • Common: Includes general nervous system effects such as headache and dizziness, and gastrointestinal disturbances like nausea and constipation.
  • Rare: Includes the onset of severe skin and hypersensitivity reactions.
  • Frequency Not Known: Includes severe events such as acute liver failure.

Population-Specific Safety Considerations

The official safety information highlights increased risks for certain patient groups. Individuals with pre-existing liver disease or those who consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily are identified as having a heightened susceptibility to severe liver injury associated with this medicine. Safety limitations are in place, including restrictions on the maximum daily dose and limitations on the strength of the active ingredient in combination drug products.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

The information regarding overdose with Montelukast sodium (Airing) is officially documented by government regulatory sources, focusing on specific clinical manifestations and mandated emergency actions. All statements are derived from official prescribing information.


Documented Overdose Manifestations

Acute overdose cases have reported symptoms generally consistent with the known side-effect profile of the drug. The officially documented manifestations include abdominal pain, somnolence (drowsiness), thirst, headache, vomiting, and psychomotor hyperactivity. The symptom profile was reported as generally similar across pediatric and adult patients in official documentation.


Required Emergency Actions

In the event of a suspected or confirmed overdose, the regulatory mandate is to seek immediate medical attention.

  • Management Focus: Treatment of an overdose is stated as symptomatic and supportive, directed at managing the manifestations that present in the patient.
  • Antidote Status: Regulatory labeling explicitly states that no specific antidote is known for Montelukast overdose.
  • Procedural Constraint: The active ingredient, Montelukast, is officially documented as not dialyzable (cannot be removed by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis).

Therapeutic Uses of Airing

What Airing Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Airing is commonly used to provide foundational therapeutic support as a long-term controller for conditions involving inflammatory or irritative processes. Its therapeutic use is generally applied in contexts where additional symptomatic support is needed, helping to manage manifestations across three key domains. These core uses include providing foundational control for chronic asthma symptoms, offering symptomatic relief for allergic rhinitis, and serving as prophylaxis against exercise-triggered symptoms.

“This type of supportive treatment is often used during phases when symptoms become more noticeable, contributing to a sense of stability.”

Supportive Relief Domains

For individuals with asthma, Airing may help ease the overall symptom burden of persistent wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness, contributing to improved comfort during periods of heightened symptoms. Similarly, in allergic rhinitis, it may assist with maintaining functional stability by easing pronounced nasal symptoms like sneezing and congestion. In a preventative scenario, Airing provides supportive relief when symptoms interfere with routine activities during physical activity.


Quick Fact: Relief for Episodic Symptoms

Airing is commonly used to help with symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive in conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms, offering supportive relief during difficult episodes.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Airing's use is strictly defined by regulatory guidelines, outlining populations for whom the medicine is contraindicated or restricted.

Populations and Conditions for Non-Eligibility

Airing is absolutely contraindicated for any patient with a known hypersensitivity to the active substance, Montelukast sodium, or to any formulation excipient. It is explicitly not indicated for the reversal of acute asthma attacks or status asthmaticus. A specific contraindication applies to patients with Phenylketonuria (PKU), who must not use the chewable tablet formulation due to its phenylalanine content.

Age-Related Eligibility Rules

Eligibility is defined by age thresholds that vary by indication. Use for chronic asthma is generally established in patients aged 12 months and older. However, prophylaxis for exercise-induced symptoms is not established in patients younger than six years of age. Use in older adults generally follows the same profile as younger adults, with no specific dosage adjustments required for standard renal or mild to moderate hepatic impairment.

Conditional and Restricted Use

Due to the documented risk of serious neuropsychiatric events, use for allergic rhinitis is officially reserved for patients who have an inadequate response to or cannot tolerate alternative therapies. Regulatory documents advise that use during pregnancy or lactation is permitted only if considered clearly essential.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory documentation structures the interaction profile of Airing (Montelukast sodium) based primarily on pharmacokinetic alterations and specific administration restrictions.

Pharmacokinetic Interactions

Montelukast systemic exposure is subject to alteration by medicines that affect the CYP 2C8, 2C9, and 3A4 enzyme systems. Co-administration with the potent enzyme inhibitor Gemfibrozil results in a significant increase (approximately 4.4-fold) in Montelukast systemic exposure (AUC). Conversely, potent enzyme inducers such as Phenobarbital, Rifampicin, and Phenytoin may decrease the systemic exposure of Montelukast through enhanced metabolic clearance. The use of Montelukast does not cause clinically important changes to the pharmacokinetics of common co-administered drugs like Theophylline, Prednisone, Oral Contraceptives, or Warfarin.

Administration and Physiological Constraints

The label includes specific restrictions and constraints not related to direct pharmacokinetic changes. Patients with known aspirin sensitivity are formally restricted from using Aspirin or NSAIDs. When used for Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction prophylaxis, a mandatory timing rule requires administration at least two hours prior to exercise. Furthermore, hepatic insufficiency (mild-to-moderate) is documented as a physiological status that alters clearance, resulting in a 41% higher mean Montelukast systemic exposure. The chewable tablet formulation contains Phenylalanine, which is a documented consideration for individuals with Phenylketonuria (PKU).

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action for Airing (Montelukast sodium) is confined to precise intervention within the body’s inflammatory signaling systems, providing a specific action on respiratory physiology.

Blocking the Cysteinyl Leukotriene Pathway

The drug acts as a highly selective competitive antagonist that physically blocks the Cysteinyl Leukotriene Receptor Type 1 (CysLT1). This specific action interrupts the inflammatory sequence by preventing endogenous lipid mediators (LTC4, LTD4, LTE4) from activating the receptor. This fundamental molecular blockade modifies early steps in the cascade, inhibiting cellular signaling.

Modulating Airway Muscle and Vascular Tone

By inhibiting CysLT1 signaling, the drug directly alters the physiological process responsible for airway smooth muscle contraction and microvascular leakage. This modification affects the control of airway smooth muscle by promoting relaxation and limiting fluid accumulation (edema) in tissues. This mechanism modulates the activity within the targeted physiological pathways.

Mechanistic Limitations and Specificity

The drug’s action is inherently specific to the CysLT1 receptor, and it does not affect other inflammatory pathways (like those mediated by histamine or prostaglandins) or other leukotriene receptors (like BLT1). This specificity means the drug is mechanistically relevant only in contexts where CysLT activity is a primary driver of the physiological changes.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Airing

Administration of Airing (Montelukast sodium) is a continuous, once-daily oral process that follows fixed dosage requirements. The fixed daily dose, administered orally, varies by age group.

Administration Scope

Feature Standard Parameters
Route of administration Oral only; taken via tablet, chewable tablet, or oral granules.
Dosing schedule Fixed dose based on age: 10 mg for 15 years and older; 5 mg for 6-14 years; 4 mg for 2-5 years and younger.
Timing in relation to meals May be taken with or without food.
Preparation requirements Oral granules must be consumed within 15 minutes of opening the packet or mixing with a small amount of specified soft foods (e.g., applesauce, rice).
Age-group administration rules The 10 mg strength is used for adults; the 5 mg and 4 mg strengths are used for pediatric age groups.
Missed-dose rules If a dose is missed, the patient should skip that dose and resume the regular once-daily schedule with the next planned dose.
Special procedural conditions For asthma, the dose must be taken in the evening. For allergic rhinitis alone, the time of day may be individualized. No dosage adjustment is required for older adults or patients with mild-to-moderate liver or renal impairment.

Instruction Classifications (High-Level)

Classification Description
Administration method type Oral
Frequency pattern Once daily (QD)
Use-context constraints Fixed-time dosing (evening for asthma) and pre-event timing for prophylaxis.

Resulting Procedural Structure

Procedural step sequence:

  • The appropriate fixed-dose strength is determined by the patient's age and indication, not by clinical titration.
  • The oral dose is administered once daily, timed to the evening if the regimen includes asthma management.
  • For pre-exercise use, a single dose must be taken at least two hours before activity, with a restriction against taking a subsequent dose within 24 hours.

Connection to the overall use protocol

The administration guidelines establish a once-daily oral dosing protocol that varies primarily by age group and the timing requirement of the indication. These instructions define Airing as a foundational, fixed-dose therapy requiring adherence to specified intake procedures for both the maintenance regimen and its use as pre-event prophylaxis.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Airing: Recent Clinical Evidence

Clinical study data on Airing (generic name: BI 1291583) primarily relate to its investigation as a potential treatment for bronchiectasis, a condition characterized by chronic lung infection and inflammation.

Pivotal Phase III Trials

The largest body of evidence comes from the AIRTIVITY™ Study (NCT06872892), a Phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. This study was designed to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the drug candidate in adults and adolescents (aged 12 to under 18) with bronchiectasis who experience regular exacerbations (flare-ups).

Key design elements of the study included:

  • Duration: Participants received the study medication or placebo once daily for up to 76 weeks.
  • Primary Focus: The main endpoint for comparison between the two groups was the rate of pulmonary exacerbations over the treatment period. This measure is used to evaluate the potential of a drug to stabilize the condition and reduce flare-ups.
  • Secondary Measures: Additional assessments included changes in respiratory symptoms recorded via a daily smartphone diary and monitoring for any adverse events.

Current Status and Preliminary Findings

As of the most recent public updates, the AIRTIVITY™ Study is ongoing or has completed and is in the process of data analysis. While a comprehensive, peer-reviewed analysis is pending, the study aims to establish whether the investigational drug may offer a way to manage disease activity and potentially reduce the frequency of flare-ups compared to placebo. Regulatory approval is contingent upon the formal review of the full data set, which must demonstrate a favorable balance of potential benefit and risk.

Evidence from early-stage research suggested that BI 1291583 might influence inflammatory pathways relevant to chronic lung conditions, which formed the basis for its investigation in larger patient populations. The final results of the Phase III trial are critical for determining the role of Airing in the management of bronchiectasis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Airing (FAQ)


Q: How long does it typically take for Airing to start working?

Clinical evidence indicates that the active ingredient can start to influence airway function within two hours of administration, as measured in studies. For the long-term therapeutic purpose in chronic conditions (like asthma or allergic rhinitis), the full intended benefit is typically observed over a period of continuous, daily use.


Q: Can Airing be taken at the same time as common supplements?

Official drug interaction information generally concentrates on prescription medications and does not specifically address common supplements or herbal remedies. Authoritative sources suggest that caution is warranted, as certain products like St. John's wort have been noted as having the potential to reduce the drug's effect. Information regarding the co-use of supplements should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.


Q: Are there any restrictions on alcohol consumption while using Airing?

Official safety information does not outline general restrictions on alcohol use, but it does indicate a specific, documented risk related to liver health. Regulatory documents note that individuals who consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily are identified as having a heightened susceptibility to severe liver injury associated with this medication.


Q: What if I experience a rare but serious side effect while on Airing?

Official regulatory documents describe the need to discontinue the use of the medicine and seek immediate medical assistance if serious symptoms are experienced. Examples of these serious effects include changes in behavior, suicidal thoughts, or signs of severe liver problems (such as yellowing skin or dark urine). These serious reactions are documented as rare.


Q: What level of evidence supports the use of Airing?

The approved uses for the active ingredient in Airing are supported by a strong body of evidence, including multiple randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trials (Phase III). These studies were conducted in adults and pediatric patients to establish the drug's efficacy and safety profile for conditions like chronic asthma and allergic rhinitis.


Q: What if I accidentally take more Airing than intended?

Symptoms reported in cases of acute overdose typically include common issues like stomach pain, headache, sleepiness, and vomiting. Official information notes that the risk of serious liver damage increases with doses that exceed the maximum recommended limit, and seeking medical assistance is necessary in such cases.


Q: Is Airing the same as other medicines for the same condition?

Airing is classified as a Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist (LTRA). This pharmacological classification means the drug works by blocking a specific inflammatory pathway (the leukotriene pathway). It is therefore considered different from other respiratory medicines, such as inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators, which operate through distinct mechanisms.


Q: Why do people say Airing is a 'new' kind of treatment?

The active ingredient, Montelukast, was first approved by the FDA in 1998. At the time of its market entry, its mechanism as a CysLT1 receptor antagonist represented a specific, targeted approach that was unique compared to earlier treatments. This targeted approach led to its description as a distinct approach to managing chronic respiratory conditions.


Q: Is it true that Airing causes a specific side effect (e.g., headache)?

Yes. Regulatory documents list headache as one of the most commonly reported adverse reactions observed in clinical trials, alongside effects like upper respiratory infection and fever. This indicates that a significant number of participants in the studies experienced this specific side effect.


Q: Who is generally advised not to use Airing?

The medicine is formally contraindicated (not recommended for use) for individuals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to the active ingredient or any component of the product. It is also not indicated for use in reversing sudden, severe asthma attacks, and specific formulations are restricted for patients with Phenylketonuria (PKU).


Q: Is Airing appropriate for use by older adults?

Based on official documentation, clinical studies involving patients aged 65 and over have not identified any differences in safety or effectiveness when compared to younger patients. Therefore, no specific dosage adjustment is typically recommended for older adults with standard kidney or mild-to-moderate liver function.


Q: What kind of studies have been done on Airing?

The drug’s profile is established through rigorous randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trials (Phase III) that assessed its efficacy and safety for approved uses. Additionally, post-marketing surveillance is ongoing, which continues to collect data on adverse reactions and long-term effects once the drug is widely available.


Q: Where can I find the official research evidence for Airing?

The official findings and evidence summaries are detailed in the full prescribing information (Product Label), which is publicly available. These documents, including summaries of the clinical studies, can be accessed on regulatory agency websites such as the FDA’s DailyMed and the NIH’s drug information portals.


Q: Does Airing have a withdrawal period if you stop taking it?

Official documentation mentions that serious side effects, such as neuropsychiatric events (including changes in behavior and mood), have been reported in some patients after discontinuation of the drug. Regulatory documents mention that these symptoms were reported to resolve in many cases after stopping therapy.


Q: Can you use Airing if you have a pre-existing liver condition?

For patients with mild-to-moderate liver impairment, no official dosage adjustment is typically required. However, regulatory information specifically notes that individuals with pre-existing liver disease have a documented heightened susceptibility to severe liver injury associated with this medication.


Q: Are there any long-term effects of using Airing that people talk about?

The product label carries a strong warning regarding the potential for serious neuropsychiatric events that have been reported. Official label information advises that monitoring for these changes is necessary, as risks should be weighed against potential benefits. The drug is indicated for chronic conditions, which requires ongoing assessment.


Q: Does Airing contain any ingredients that cause common allergies?

Official documents specify that the chewable tablet formulation contains Phenylalanine, which is a component of concern for patients with Phenylketonuria (PKU). In general, patients with known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient (Montelukast sodium) or any inactive component (excipient) are formally advised against using the product.


Q: How long does Airing stay in your system after the last dose?

The active ingredient, Montelukast, is reported to have a terminal phase plasma half-life of approximately 2.7 to 5.5 hours in healthy young adults. This represents the time needed for the amount of drug in the body to decrease by half. The majority of the drug is eliminated from the body almost entirely via the bile.


Q: What are the signs that Airing is working as intended?

Signs the drug is working align with its therapeutic purpose, which includes a reduction in chronic symptoms and a decreased need for short-acting rescue medication. A healthcare professional should review the regimen if symptoms do not improve or if the frequency of rescue medication use increases.


Q: Do I need to change my diet while taking Airing?

No general diet change is required, as the film-coated tablet is designed to be taken with or without food. However, official information notes that the absorption of the oral granule form can be affected by a high-fat meal. Specific dietary restrictions apply only to patients with Phenylketonuria (PKU) regarding the chewable tablet.


Q: Why do official documents mention specific populations that can't use Airing?

Restrictions on use are based on documented safety risks and lack of established efficacy in those specific groups. For example, official documents note restrictions where known components (like phenylalanine) pose a direct health risk, or where insufficient study data is available to establish safe and effective use in certain age groups.


Q: Are there specific times of day that are best for taking Airing?

Yes. According to the official instructions, for patients using the drug to manage asthma, the dose must be taken once daily in the evening. For patients taking it only for allergic rhinitis, the timing can be individualized to suit their needs.


Q: Does Airing interact with common over-the-counter pain relievers?

Most everyday pain relievers are generally considered appropriate for co-use with the drug. However, official information specifically advises patients who have a known aspirin sensitivity to continue avoiding aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) while using this medication.


Q: Is there a maximum length of time Airing is studied for continuous use?

The drug is officially indicated for the chronic treatment of conditions like asthma. The official label advises that for ongoing therapy, the patient should be checked at regular visits to monitor if the medicine is working properly and to watch for any unwanted effects.


Q: Are there any known drug classes that interact with Airing?

Yes. The amount of drug in the body can be affected by medicines that are potent inhibitors or inducers of specific liver enzymes, particularly the CYP 2C8, 2C9, and 3A4 enzyme systems. Examples of interacting drug classes mentioned in official documentation include certain antiepileptic drugs and drugs used for tuberculosis.


Q: Why do some people experience no benefit from Airing?

A lack of benefit may be related to several factors documented in official information. This could include the drug's mechanism not addressing the primary cause of the patient's symptoms, or it could be due to a drug-drug interaction with another medicine that lowers the concentration of the active ingredient (e.g., co-administration with enzyme inducers).


Q: Does Airing require any special monitoring while in use?

Yes. Official warnings advise patients and caregivers to be alert for changes in behavior or new neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as agitation, aggression, depression, or suicidal thoughts, when taking the medicine. These changes should be monitored and reported to a healthcare professional.

How should Airing be stored and disposed of?

Storage Requirements

Airing (Montelukast sodium) must be stored at Controlled Room Temperature, which is specified as 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F). The product must be protected from both light and moisture and should be kept in the original container, which must be tightly closed.

Stability and Child Safety

Oral granules must be used within 15 minutes of opening the sachet or mixing with food; mixed product must not be stored. As with all medicines, Airing must be kept out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired medicine must be disposed of in accordance with local requirements for pharmaceutical waste. The product must not be thrown away in household trash or disposed of via wastewater.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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