Montair Plus

Description

Same active ingredient (montelukast) as Singulair®, the US brand. Montair Plus is an Indian brand, made and licensed in India.

About Montair Plus

Montair Plus is a prescription combination tablet made by Cipla Limited that contains montelukast, normally at the adult 10 mg strength, together with a second active ingredient, used for the long-term control of asthma and allergic airway symptoms in adults and teenagers aged 15 and over. Montelukast is a once-daily leukotriene receptor antagonist that prevents symptoms; the word “Plus” signals that another medicine has been added to the same tablet.

Check the composition printed on your strip

Cipla and other Indian companies pair montelukast with several different partners. Some combinations add an antihistamine such as levocetirizine or fexofenadine for allergic rhinitis, and others add a xanthine bronchodilator such as doxofylline for asthma and chronic bronchitis. Each partner has its own dose limits, side effects and interactions. Before the first tablet, read the composition line on the Montair Plus strip, confirm it matches your prescription, and ask a pharmacist to check it against everything else you take. If you cannot tell what the second ingredient is, wait until you have confirmed it.

How does Montair Plus work?

Leukotrienes are inflammatory messengers released by mast cells and eosinophils in the airway lining. They squeeze the bronchial muscle, make the lining leak fluid and swell, and draw in more inflammatory cells. Montelukast blocks the CysLT1 receptor through which they act, so the airways stay calmer and less reactive to triggers. Its effect builds over several days of regular use. The partner ingredient adds either antihistamine relief of nasal symptoms or extra airway widening, depending on the combination.

How to take Montair Plus

• Take it exactly as prescribed; for most montelukast combinations this means one tablet a day, often in the evening.
• Swallow it whole with water, and follow the leaflet’s advice on food.
• The labeled adult dose of montelukast is 10 mg once daily, and higher amounts add no benefit, so never take extra tablets.
• Do not use it alongside another montelukast product such as Montair 10 mg or Singulair 10 mg.
• Keep using your inhaled steroid preventer, and carry a reliever inhaler at all times.

If the second ingredient is doxofylline

Doxofylline is related to theophylline and shares some of its interaction risks. Ciprofloxacin, erythromycin and certain other drugs can raise its level, and starting or quitting smoking can change it. Never combine it with theophylline or other xanthines such as Doxolin 400 mg or acebrophylline. Report a racing or irregular heartbeat, vomiting, shakiness or sleeplessness promptly.

If the second ingredient is an antihistamine

Expect possible drowsiness, avoid alcohol and other sedating medicines, and do not drive until you know how the tablet affects you. Do not add separate antihistamine tablets on top.

Mood and behavior warning

Montelukast has a US boxed warning about serious neuropsychiatric events, including agitation, aggression, vivid dreams, insomnia, depression, and suicidal thoughts or actions. Stop Montair Plus and contact your doctor straight away if these appear, and ask the people you live with to tell you if they notice a change.

What are the other side effects?

Headache, stomach upset, diarrhea and upper respiratory infections are common with montelukast. Seek urgent help for a severe rash, swelling of the face or throat, yellowing skin or eyes, or a flu-like illness with numbness or pins and needles in the limbs and worsening breathing, which can signal a rare blood-vessel inflammation. Before starting, tell your doctor about liver disease, epilepsy, heart rhythm problems, stomach ulcers, pregnancy or breastfeeding. If aspirin triggers your asthma, keep avoiding aspirin and NSAIDs.

Pack sizes and storage

Montair Plus is sold in packs of 30, 60 or 90 tablets, from $22. Store below 77°F (25°C), away from heat, light and damp.

Frequently asked questions

Can Montair Plus replace my inhalers?

No. Tablets are added to inhaled treatment, not used instead of a steroid preventer or a reliever such as the Asthalin Inhaler.

Is there a montelukast-only version?

Yes. Montair 10 mg contains montelukast alone and suits people who do not need the second ingredient.

Where can I compare other asthma tablets?

See the asthma category.

For general information only. Montair Plus is a prescription medicine; confirm its exact composition with your pharmacist and take it only as your doctor directs.