Montelukast
- Class: Leukotriene receptor antagonist
- Used for: asthma and allergies
- Say it: mon-teh-LOO-kast
- Forms: tablet, chewable tablet, granules
Remember the name – MONTE → mountain, LUKAST → leukotriene
MONTELUKAST = a MOUNTAIN blocking the LEUKOTRIENES before they ever reach the airway.
The LEUK is literal — it blocks the leukotriene receptor. These are the messengers behind the allergic, exercise and aspirin-triggered kinds of asthma.
MONTELUKAST = a MOUNTAIN blocking the LEUKOTRIENES before they ever reach the airway.
The LEUK is literal — it blocks the leukotriene receptor. These are the messengers behind the allergic, exercise and aspirin-triggered kinds of asthma.
Mnemonic: Monte-LUKAS-t blocks LEUKOtrienes
The 'lukast' in the name is leukotriene. It is a tablet rather than an inhaler, which is why it suits children and anyone who cannot manage inhaler technique.
The 'lukast' in the name is leukotriene. It is a tablet rather than an inhaler, which is why it suits children and anyone who cannot manage inhaler technique.
Side effects
Common: headache, stomach pain, sore throat
Serious: mood changes, suicidal thoughts
Typical dose
10 mg once daily in the evening
5 mg chewable for ages 6–14. Warn families about mood, sleep and behaviour changes.
Check yourself
What makes Montelukast different from an inhaled steroid?
- It blocks the leukotriene receptor and is taken by mouth
- It relaxes airway muscle directly within minutes
- It is a more powerful anti-inflammatory than a steroid
- It blocks muscarinic receptors in the airway
Show answer
A. It blocks the leukotriene receptor and is taken by mouth
It targets one specific inflammatory pathway and is swallowed; a steroid damps inflammation broadly and is inhaled. Steroids are the more powerful controller — montelukast is the easier one to take.
See it, don't memorize it
The app has the mechanism comic and a patient case for Montelukast – plus the name link, the class mnemonic, pronunciation you can hear, and a self-check, for the top 100 drugs. One purchase, no subscription, no account.