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5.4: Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists

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    65156
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    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. ↵

    This page titled 5.4: Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Ernstmeyer & Christman (Eds.) (OpenRN) via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.