Montesur

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Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

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 Montesur

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Montelukast sodium
Form Film-Coated Tablets, Chewable Tablets, and Granules
Pharmacological class Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist (LTRA)
General purpose Maintenance therapy (sustained preventative control)
Origin Synthetic compound
Status Prescription-only (Rx)

What Pharmacological Class Defines Montesur?

Montesur is a synthetic, prescription-only medication whose identity is defined by the active substance Montelukast sodium. This compound is formally classified as a Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist (LTRA). This pharmacological classification identifies it as a compound that selectively blocks the action of inflammatory chemicals in the body called leukotrienes. This targeted approach is clinically recognized for its efficacy in providing sustained management of inflammatory conditions in the airways, offering a specific, preventative approach by intervening directly in the body's inflammatory signaling pathway.

Preparation Type and General Therapeutic Purpose

Montesur is designed for oral administration, meaning it is taken by mouth, and is available in multiple dosage form(s), including film-coated tablets, chewable tablets, and granules. This range of preparations ensures accessibility for both pediatric patients and adult patients. The medication’s general purpose is to function as maintenance therapy, focusing on preventative control rather than providing immediate, acute symptom relief. Montelukast binds with high affinity and selectivity to the CysLT1 receptor, reducing the propensity for inflammation and airway tightening. This means the medicine is designed for daily, sustained use to stabilize the airways and keep chronic symptoms in check.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH: Montelukast in Asthma Review
  2. Montelukast: StatPearls (NIH)

What side effects are possible with Montesur?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Montesur (montelukast sodium) is officially classified by regulatory agencies based on the frequency and the organ systems affected. The most serious safety considerations involve neuropsychiatric events, which are subject to the most prominent regulatory warnings.

Adverse Reactions by Frequency and System

Side effects are categorized by their official frequency of occurrence:

  • Very Common (may affect more than 1 in 10 users): Upper respiratory infection.
  • Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 users): Headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and pyrexia (fever).
  • Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 users): Reactions affecting the nervous and psychiatric systems, including agitation, anxiety, depression, dizziness, insomnia, and fatigue.

Rare and very rare adverse reactions, such as increased bleeding tendency and palpitations, have also been officially documented. The adverse effects are organized within official regulatory documents by System-Organ Class, highlighting potential impact on multiple systems, including the nervous, gastrointestinal, and hepatobiliary systems.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

Official labeling documents the risk of serious adverse reactions, including:

  • Neuropsychiatric Events: Reports of serious mental health side effects, including suicidal thinking and behaviour, seizures, and hallucinations, have been noted in all age groups.
  • Systemic Events: Rare, but serious, reactions include Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA) (Churg-Strauss Syndrome) and hepatitis.

Montesur is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the active substance or any excipients. It is strictly stated in the label that this medication is not indicated for the reversal of bronchospasm in acute asthma attacks; it is a maintenance therapy. Additionally, the medicine must not be abruptly substituted for oral or inhaled corticosteroids.

Population-Specific Notes: The regulatory safety profile specifically documents reports of neuropsychiatric effects, such as enuresis (bedwetting), in pediatric patients.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

The official regulatory guidance defines the presentation and management of overdose for Montesur (Montelukast sodium) based on clinical and post-marketing reports, including cases where adults and children ingested doses up to 1,000 mg. The clinical findings observed in these reports were largely consistent with the established safety profile of the medication.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

Symptoms most frequently reported following acute overdose include abdominal pain, somnolence (drowsiness), thirst, headache, vomiting, and psychomotor hyperactivity. These manifestations generally involve the central nervous system (CNS) and gastrointestinal (GI) systems.

Required Emergency Actions

The treatment for a Montelukast overdose is officially stated to be symptomatic and supportive. The prescribing information confirms that no specific antidote is known for acute toxicity. Medical professionals may consider measures such as gastric lavage or the administration of activated charcoal, consistent with medically acceptable practice.

When Urgent Medical Help is Mandated

Beyond acute ingestion, urgent medical attention is required for the documented risk of serious Neuropsychiatric (NP) symptoms. Patients or caregivers must contact a healthcare provider immediately if changes in behavior, new NP symptoms, or signs of suicidal thoughts or behavior are observed. These symptoms warrant immediate professional evaluation and potential discontinuation of the medication.

Therapeutic Uses of Montesur

Montesur is a maintenance therapy applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, primarily focusing on respiratory and allergic conditions. The therapeutic use for this medication is relevant in clinical contexts, and includes addressing the chronic symptoms of asthma, providing prophylactic support for exercise-induced breathing difficulty, and helping to ease the symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis.

The medication is used to manage symptom clusters that interfere with daily comfort and lead to functional strain. This long-term approach helps maintain a sense of stability, contributing to improved day-to-day comfort.

“The medication's benefit is in its ability to support sustained management over symptoms, which contributes to easing the overall symptom load during periods of heightened discomfort.”

For asthma, Montesur is commonly used to help manage and assist with chronic symptoms like wheezing, chest tightness, and persistent coughing. For the allergic domain, it provides supportive relief for runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion. This support helps ease the overall symptom burden across these conditions.

Quick Fact: Relief for Respiratory and Allergic Symptoms
Main Therapeutic Role Long-term management (maintenance)
Primary Symptom Domains Wheezing, Chest Tightness, Nasal Congestion
Benefit to Patient Supports general well-being and functional stability
Context of Use Chronic asthma and recurrent allergies

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus overview

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Montesur?

Montesur's eligibility is strictly defined by regulatory age limitations, specific health conditions, and absolute contraindications documented in official product labeling.


Eligibility Scope

Classification Official Regulatory Status
Populations for whom use is allowed Adults and adolescents ge 15 years; Children 6 to 14 years; Children 2 to 5 years; Infants ge 12 months (asthma); Infants ge 6 months (perennial allergic rhinitis) [2.5, 2.6].
Populations for whom use is contraindicated Patients with known hypersensitivity to Montelukast sodium or any component of the product [1.2, 1.5].
Acute Condition Exclusion Not indicated for use in the reversal of acute bronchospasm or to treat an acute asthma attack [1.2, 2.6].
Use-Not-Established Groups Safety and effectiveness have not been established in patients with asthma under 12 months, or for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in patients under 6 years [1.3, 2.4].
Organ Function Status No dosage adjustment is required for patients with renal insufficiency or mild-to-moderate hepatic insufficiency. Use in severe hepatic impairment has not been evaluated [1.3, 2.4].
Pregnancy and Lactation Status Use is permitted only if clearly essential or clearly needed, as official data do not establish a drug-associated risk, but full controlled human studies are lacking [1.3, 3.5].

Specific Eligibility Restrictions

Patients with Phenylketonuria (PKU) must be aware that the chewable tablet formulations contain phenylalanine [1.2]. Patients with known aspirin sensitivity should continue to avoid aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs while using Montesur [1.2].

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official interaction profile for Montesur (Montelukast sodium) is primarily defined by documented changes in systemic exposure and specific administration constraints required by regulatory authorities.

Pharmacokinetic Interactions

Co-administration with certain medicinal products can significantly modify Montesur's plasma concentration through activity on hepatic enzymes. Gemfibrozil, classified as a potent inhibitor of CYP2C8, results in a substantial increase in Montelukast systemic exposure (AUC) by approximately 4.4-fold. Conversely, the co-administration of Phenobarbital, a potent enzyme inducer, is documented to significantly reduce Montelukast exposure by approximately 40%. The potent enzyme inducer Rifampin also necessitates clinical monitoring upon co-administration.

Interaction-Related Restrictions and Constraints

Montesur is not to be used as an abrupt substitute for oral or inhaled corticosteroids; the reduction of corticosteroid therapy must be gradual and supervised. Furthermore, patients with known aspirin sensitivity are restricted from co-administering aspirin or other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Regarding general substances, the regulatory label notes that Alcohol may potentiate potential adverse effects such as drowsiness or dizziness. Montesur does not significantly alter the pharmacokinetics of many common co-administered drugs, including theophylline, warfarin, prednisone, and oral contraceptives.

Mechanism of Action

️ Selective Blockade of the CysLT1 Receptor

Montesur's mechanism centers on its role as a selective antagonist that competitively binds to the Cysteinyl Leukotriene Type-1 (CysLT1) Receptor. By occupying this primary biological target, the drug prevents the natural inflammatory mediators—LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4—from initiating their cellular signals. This molecular intervention suppresses the initial step of the leukotriene-driven cascade.

️ Modulation of Smooth Muscle and Vascular Tone

The consequence of blocking the CysLT1 receptor is modulation of two physiological responses: smooth muscle contraction and microvascular permeability. The drug suppresses the signaling necessary for airway smooth muscle cells to tighten, resulting in bronchodilation. Concurrently, it limits fluid leakage into the airway tissues, reducing tissue edema. This mechanism operates via sustained receptor occupancy, which differs from mechanisms providing rapid, acute beta2-adrenoceptor activation.

Control of CysLT-Driven Cellular Inflammation

The sustained inhibition of CysLT1 receptor signaling modulates the underlying airway inflammatory cascade. This action limits the recruitment and activity of specific inflammatory cells, such as eosinophils, which are sensitive to leukotrienes. By intervening in this specific pathway, the drug modulates the cumulative inflammatory effect, which is associated with a decrease in airway hyperresponsiveness over time.

Dosage and Administration Information

Montesur (Montelukast sodium) is prescribed exclusively for oral administration as a continuous, once-daily medication intended for maintenance control. The standard dosing is based on age, with a fixed daily dose established for each specific group, requiring no dose titration for adult patients. For adults and adolescents 15 years and older, the standard dose is 10 mg (typically as a film-coated tablet). Pediatric patients receive a 5 mg chewable tablet (ages 6–14 years) or a 4 mg chewable tablet or oral granule form (ages 6 months to 5 years).

The administration schedule is structured around a once-daily frequency. For asthma maintenance, Montesur is generally scheduled for use in the evening. However, for managing symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, the medication may be taken in either the morning or the evening. In the event of a missed dose, the next dose is taken at the regular scheduled time, without taking an extra dose to compensate.

Specific administration instructions must be followed for certain formulations. Chewable tablets must be thoroughly chewed before swallowing. Oral granules are intended for immediate use; they must be consumed within 15 minutes of opening the packet, whether taken directly or mixed with a small amount of liquid or specific soft foods. Montesur is not dependent on mealtimes and can be taken with or without food. It is further stipulated that the medicine is reserved for long-term use and must not be used to treat acute, sudden exacerbations of breathing difficulty.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Montesur

Evidence for Chronic Asthma Management

Research exploring Montesur was studied for asthma management through Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews across adult, child, and adolescent cohorts. Studies monitored outcomes related to physical discomfort and functional imbalance, focusing on asthma exacerbations and symptom scores. Findings describe patterns observed in these groups; however, inter-individual variability in response is noted, and comparative evidence against standard maintenance therapies suggests findings were mixed for certain key symptom endpoints.

Evidence for Exercise-Induced Breathing Difficulty Prophylaxis

Research examined the compound in controlled prophylactic studies specifically for individuals whose asthma is characterized by exercise-induced breathing difficulty. These studies monitored outcomes related to episodic changes and exercise tolerance following single-dose administration. Findings describe group patterns related to measurements in symptom markers, but evidence is limited to the short-term, acute prophylactic context. Research for this use is still ongoing to further explore outcomes in chronic asthma management.

Evidence for Seasonal and Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

Research was studied for allergic rhinitis using RCTs and systematic reviews, examining symptoms in both adults and children. Trials monitored outcomes such as the Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) and sleep quality. Studies documented patterns of differing measurements when the compound was compared directly against other treatments like intranasal corticosteroids. Data for very young pediatric cohorts remains insufficient, and comparative evidence suggests findings were mixed for certain symptom endpoints.

Research Gaps and Long-Term Data

Research examined cohorts with varying disease severity, but results apply only to the populations studied. Data for certain special populations remain insufficient. The research landscape shows that long-term effects are not fully established for all indications, as follow-up durations were limited in many pivotal trials. Comparative evidence is lacking for some measures when Montesur is contrasted with standard treatments.

Key Studies & References

  1. Efficacy of montelukast in exercise-induced bronchoconstriction: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
  2. Montelukast - StatPearls [Internet]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Montesur (FAQ)


Q: Is it safe to use Montesur if a person has kidney issues?

Official guidance states that no dosage adjustment is typically required for people with kidney issues, including those with renal insufficiency. This is based on the information provided in the regulatory product documents.

Q: Can Montesur be used by people with a history of liver issues?

For individuals with mild-to-moderate liver issues (hepatic impairment), regulatory information states that no dosage adjustment is typically required. However, the official documentation also notes that studies have not evaluated its use in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Q: Is it normal to feel a mild headache when starting Montesur?

Headache is listed as a Common side effect in the official safety information for Montesur. This effect is reported to affect up to 10% of users in clinical studies.

Q: Can Montesur be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, according to official sources?

Official product documents permit use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding only if clearly essential or clearly needed. This is because official documents note that full, controlled studies in humans are lacking.

Q: How does the official guidance describe the appropriateness of Montesur for older adults?

Official guidance indicates that no dosage adjustment is typically necessary for the elderly population. Clinical studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit its usefulness.

Q: What research evidence exists to support the use of Montesur?

The evidence base for Montesur primarily consists of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews. These studies examined various outcomes, including the frequency of asthma exacerbations and measurements of nasal symptom scores.

Q: What are the requirements for monitoring or follow-up that are often mentioned with Montesur?

Official patient information advises that patients may be checked by their healthcare provider if the medicine is taken for a long time. These regular visits help ensure proper therapeutic effects and check for unwanted effects.

Q: What is the main difference between Montesur and other similar medicines?

Montesur's identity is defined by its pharmacological class: it is a Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist (LTRA). This means it works by selectively blocking certain inflammatory chemicals, called leukotrienes, in the body. This is a targeted mechanism that differentiates it from other common treatment classes.

Q: How quickly does a person usually start to feel the effects of Montesur?

Official documents state that the therapeutic effect on parameters of asthma control is reported to occur within one day of beginning use.

Q: What is the typical duration of Montesur's effect after one use?

The duration of the active substance in the body is described by its mean plasma half-life. Official pharmacokinetic data indicates that this value in healthy young adults ranges from 2.7 to 5.5 hours.

Q: Can Montesur cause a person to feel more tired or fatigued?

Fatigue is listed in the official safety information as an Uncommon side effect of Montesur. This classification indicates that it is an effect reported to occur in a small percentage of users.

Q: Are there any common over-the-counter pain relievers that should be avoided while using Montesur?

The regulatory label documents that patients with known aspirin sensitivity are to continue to avoid taking aspirin or other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) while using Montesur.

Q: Do studies show a difference in how Montesur affects men versus women?

Pharmacokinetic studies, which monitor how the medicine moves through the body, indicate that the characteristics of Montesur are similar in both males and females.

Q: Does Montesur affect the results of common laboratory blood tests?

The official safety profile notes that changes in blood tests, such as elevated liver enzyme levels and increased eosinophils (a type of white blood cell), have been reported in some cases.

Q: Does Montesur cause a persistent dry mouth?

Dry mouth is listed in some regulatory documents as a side effect that has been reported to occur while using Montesur.

Q: Is Montesur described as impacting mental alertness?

The official safety profile includes warnings about potential neuropsychiatric effects. These reports include sleep disorders, anxiety, disorientation, and disturbance in attention, which may affect a person's mental state.

Q: Does the time of day a person uses Montesur affect its results?

Official guidance notes that there have been no clinical trials to evaluate the relative efficacy of morning versus evening dosing for patients with asthma. Efficacy has been demonstrated when the medicine is administered in the evening.

Q: What are the official recommendations for storing Montesur?

Montesur must be stored at Controlled Room Temperature, which is typically 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F). The product should be protected from both moisture and light and must be kept in its original container to maintain product stability.

Q: What is the general expectation for improvement when using Montesur?

Official documents state that the therapeutic effect on parameters of asthma control is reported to occur within one day. As this is a long-term maintenance therapy, regulatory documents recommend that the patient continue taking the medicine daily, even after symptoms are brought under control.

Q: What studies have examined the long-term safety profile of Montesur?

Clinical trials have monitored safety with prolonged treatment for up to 2 years for adults and up to 12 months for children (ages 6 to 14). The safety profile was reported to remain generally consistent throughout these periods.

Q: Is there any difference in how generic and brand-name Montesur are described in regulatory texts?

Regulatory agencies require that the generic version of the medicine be bioequivalent to the brand-name product, Montesur. This means the generic contains the same active ingredient and is required to demonstrate bioequivalence, meaning it meets the same standards for performance.

How should Montesur be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal Requirements

Montesur (Montelukast Sodium) must be stored strictly according to the conditions defined in the official regulatory labeling to ensure product stability.

Storage Conditions

Detail Required Condition
Temperature Controlled Room Temperature: 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F)
Environmental Protection Protect from moisture and light.
Packaging Store in the original container.
Child Safety Keep out of the reach of children.

Storage must remain within the permissible excursion range of 15 C to 30 C. The stability of the product is maintained by adherence to these temperature and environmental controls.

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Montesur should not be flushed down the toilet. The preferred method for disposal is utilizing a drug take-back program. If a take-back option is unavailable, the medicine must be mixed with an undesirable substance and sealed in a plastic bag before being placed in household trash.

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

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