Montelukast is a generic drug that’s prescribed for allergies and certain lung conditions. Montelukast is not known to interact with other medications.

Montelukast is prescribed for:

  • the treatment and prevention of chronic (long-term) asthma in adults and children ages 15 years and older
  • the prevention of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in adults and children ages 15 years and older
  • the relief of symptoms of allergic rhinitis in adults and children ages 15 years and older who cannot use other treatments or have not found relief with other treatments

Montelukast is available as the brand-name drug Singulair.

An interaction occurs when one substance causes another substance to have a different effect than expected.

Montelukast comes in three forms, and they have the same interactions. The forms are:

  • oral tablet
  • oral granules
  • chewable tablet

This article will focus on interactions for the oral tablet form of montelukast. You can talk with your doctor to learn more about the interactions of montelukast oral granules and chewable tablet.

To learn more about montelukast’s interactions, keep reading. For additional information about montelukast, including details about its uses, see this article.

Boxed warning: Serious behavior or mood changes

Montelukast has a boxed warning about the risk of serious behavior or mood changes. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Serious behavior or mood changes have occurred during montelukast treatment since the drug was approved. These include agitation, aggression, depression, changes in sleep patterns, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Due to this risk, doctors likely won’t prescribe montelukast if your symptoms are mild or if they are well managed with other treatments.

If you or your loved ones notice any changes in your behavior, mood, or thoughts, contact your doctor right away. If you experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors, call 911 or your local emergency number for help.

For more information about this warning, talk with your doctor.

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Montelukast is not known to interact with other medications. However, this does not mean that interactions aren’t possible in the future. Other drugs that are approved in the future may interact with montelukast.

Before you start treatment with montelukast, tell your doctor and pharmacist which prescription, over-the-counter, and other medications you take. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions. (To learn whether montelukast interacts with supplements, herbs, or vitamins, see the “Montelukast and other interactions” section.)

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

In some cases, factors or conditions could prevent your doctor from prescribing montelukast due to the risk of harm. These are known as contraindications. The contraindications of montelukast include:

Having had an allergic reaction to montelukast or any of its ingredients: If you have had an allergic reaction to montelukast or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe montelukast. Taking the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you.

Note: Before you start treatment with montelukast, it’s important to tell your doctor if this contraindication applies to you. They can determine whether to prescribe montelukast.

There are no known interactions between montelukast and alcohol. However, your doctor may advise you to avoid or limit alcohol consumption during montelukast treatment.

This is because consuming large amounts of alcohol can cause liver damage. Montelukast may also cause liver damage as a side effect. This means that drinking alcohol during montelukast treatment may increase the risk of liver problems.

If you have questions about drinking alcohol while taking montelukast, talk with your doctor.

Montelukast may have other interactions, such as with supplements, foods, vaccines, or even lab tests. You’ll find details below. Keep in mind that the following information does not include all other possible interactions with montelukast.

Montelukast and supplements

It’s possible for drugs to interact with supplements such as vitamins and herbs.

Montelukast and herbs

There are no specific reports of herbs interacting with montelukast. However, that doesn’t mean herbal interactions won’t occur or be recognized in the future. Because of this, it’s important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products during montelukast treatment.

Montelukast and vitamins

There are no specific reports of vitamins interacting with montelukast. However, that doesn’t mean vitamin interactions won’t occur or be recognized in the future. Because of this, you should talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any vitamin product with montelukast.

Montelukast and food

There were no reports of food interactions with montelukast. If you’d like to learn more about eating certain foods during montelukast treatment, talk with your doctor.

Montelukast and vaccines

There are no known interactions between montelukast and vaccines. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to see whether you’re due for any vaccines.

Montelukast and lab tests

Montelukast is not known to interact with any lab tests. If you have concerns about this medication interacting with lab tests, talk with your doctor.

MONTELUKAST AND CANNABIS OR CBD

Cannabis (often called marijuana) and cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have not been specifically reported to interact with montelukast. However, as with any drug or supplement, talk with your doctor before using cannabis in combination with montelukast. The impact of cannabis may affect how well you stick to your montelukast treatment plan.

Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.

Certain medical conditions and other factors may increase the risk of interactions with montelukast. Before you take this drug, be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history. Montelukast may not be the right treatment option if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health.

Health conditions or factors that might interact with montelukast include:

  • Sensitivity to aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): In some people, certain NSAIDs can trigger asthma symptoms. If you have an allergy to aspirin or NSAIDs or if these drugs worsen your asthma, you should avoid them while taking montelukast.
  • Mental health problems: Montelukast can cause serious behavior and mood changes, including depression and suicidal thoughts and behavior. If you have a history of mental health problems, you may be at higher risk of these side effects. Before you start montelukast, tell your doctor if you have any mental health problems. They can help weigh the potential risks and benefits of the medication.
  • Liver problems: Montelukast can cause liver problems as a side effect. If you have a history of liver problems, montelukast can worsen your condition. Before starting montelukast, tell your doctor if you have any liver problems. They can help determine whether it’s safe for you to take montelukast.
  • Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to montelukast or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe montelukast. Taking the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you.
  • Breastfeeding: Montelukast is not known to be harmful if taken while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before starting montelukast. They can talk with you about the potential risks and benefits of taking this drug while breastfeeding.
  • Pregnancy: Montelukast is not known to be harmful if taken during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor before starting montelukast. They can advise you on whether it’s safe for you to take montelukast.

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

  • Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
  • Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Here are some frequently asked questions about montelukast and possible interactions.

Can I take montelukast with antibiotics?

In general, yes. Montelukast is not known to interact with antibiotics. However, this doesn’t mean interactions with antibiotics aren’t possible or won’t be reported in the future.

Before starting an antibiotic medication, it’s best to talk with your doctor or pharmacist to determine whether that drug is safe to take with montelukast.

Can I take antihistamines if I’m taking montelukast?

In most cases, yes. There are no reports of antihistamines interacting with montelukast.

Before taking an antihistamine, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can advise you on whether the medication is safe for you.

You can take certain steps to help prevent interactions with montelukast. Your doctor and pharmacist are key resources, so reach out to them before starting treatment. For example, you should plan to do the following:

  • Let them know if you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
  • Tell them about any other medications you take, as well as any supplements, herbs, and vitamins.
  • Create a medication listTrusted Source, which your doctor and pharmacist can help you fill out.

It’s also important to read the montelukast label and other paperworkTrusted Source that may come with the drug. The label may have colored stickers that mention an interaction. And the paperwork, sometimes called the medication guide or patient package insert, may contain details about interactions.

If montelukast doesn’t come with paperwork, you can ask your pharmacist to print a copy. If you need help reading or understanding this information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

You can also help prevent interactions with montelukast by taking it exactly as your doctor prescribes.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.