Typically, montelukast is used in treating conditions like asthma and allergies. These chemicals, which are the leukotrienes that trigger inflammation (swelling) of air passages and contraction of muscles in the lung along with mucus production result because inhibition block their action. Montelukast is commonly used for the management of chronic asthma. The "Singulair (montelukast) is still a great option" myth: from the words of recent clinical trials, montelukast use decreases likelihood for asthma attacks by 20-35% and decreased usage of rescue inhalers among moderately to severe asthmatics.
It is also used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, which can cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing or itching in eyes and nose ( hay fever ) that affect up to 20-30% of global population. Montelukast is prescribed to reduce symptoms of seasonal allergies in patients. From a 2022 report, people on montelukast (vs those using placebo treatments) said they had their symptoms under control up to 40% more often. This is why montelukast can be a good choice for people whose constant allergies do not improve with antihistamines completely.
The other key application is the treatment of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). Taking montelukast before playing helps athletes and individuals with asthma who notice relief from breathing difficulty while exercising. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, montelukast improves EIB in up to 80% of persons with asthma. This preparation thus enables them better prevention their favorite sport performances and normal life together due respiratory symptoms occurring during bronchial exercise stimulation (11).
In COPD, montelukast is sometimes used in conjunction with other medications as part of a management plan to help control the disease. For those with overlap of asthma as in COPD & inflammatory (as though allergic) component, montelukast may add more help especially to reduce night time symptoms and improve lung function.
In addition, montelukast has been investigated in nasal polyps which are noncancerous growths that develop in the lining of mouth. Used in combination with other medications such as corticosteroids, montelukast shrinks polyps and increases air flow through the nostrils resulting in a 30% improvement of symptoms on average.
Montelukast for pediatric asthma: Parental perspective It is approved for children two year of age or older, and dosing will be based on both age and weight. Montelukast reduces the number of nighttime awakenings for pediatric asthma and may improve overall quality of life, so is one option for long-term control.
Montelukast treats a diverse array of conditions, owing to which it is used by millions across the globe. Knowing what is montelukast used forhelps sufferers get a better grip on their chronic respiratory and allergic conditions knowing when the condition strikes how to use this drug accurately.