Source: This post on Montelukast has been created based on the article “Montelukast: overused and dangerous”, published in The Hindu on 11th Sep 2024.
Why in news?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a ‘black box warning’ for montelukast. Similarly, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the U.K. released a health alert indicating that the drug could lead to severe neuropsychiatric side effects. Greater regulation and awareness are needed to prevent misuse and mitigate adverse effects.
About Montelukast
1. Montelukast belongs to a class of medications known as leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs).
2. It functions by inhibiting the effects of substances in the body that trigger asthma symptoms and allergic rhinitis.
3. Montelukast is used to reduce inflammation and can help prevent asthma attacks in adults and children aged 2 years and older.
4. It also serves to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (a narrowing of the airways caused by exercise, also known as exercise-induced asthma) in individuals aged 6 years and older.
5. Mechanism of Action: Montelukast works by blocking leukotrienes, substances in the body that cause inflammation and swelling, thereby improving asthma symptoms.
6. Montelukast comes as a tablet, a chewable tablet, and granules to take by mouth.
7. Concerns with Montelukast:
i) Neuropsychiatric Effects: Can cause aggression, nightmares, depression, and cognitive impairment. Associated with suicide risk.
ii) FDA Warning: In 2020, the FDA added a ‘black box warning’ for serious neuropsychiatric adverse effects. Similar warnings issued by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.
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