Montelukast dosage for adults
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Montelukast Dosage for Adults
Introduction to Montelukast
Montelukast is a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist widely used for the treatment of persistent asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. It is effective in improving lung function, reducing the need for beta2-agonists, and enhancing the quality of life for patients with asthma 124.
Standard Adult Dosage
10 mg Once Daily
For adults aged 15 years and older, the standard dosage of montelukast is 10 mg once daily. This dosage was determined through dose-ranging studies to be the lowest effective dose that maximizes improvements in airway function and patient-reported outcomes 24. Clinical trials have shown that this dosage significantly improves forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), reduces the use of as-needed beta2-agonists, and enhances overall asthma control 14.
Efficacy and Safety
Montelukast at a 10 mg daily dose has been shown to produce significant improvements in FEV1, symptom scores, peak expiratory flow (PEF), and peripheral eosinophil counts in adults with persistent asthma 14. The drug is well-tolerated, with a safety profile similar to that of placebo, making it a reliable option for long-term asthma management 14.
Combination Therapy
Montelukast and Inhaled Corticosteroids
In cases where asthma is poorly controlled with inhaled corticosteroids alone, adding montelukast 10 mg daily can provide better asthma control. Studies have demonstrated that the combination of montelukast with inhaled beclomethasone significantly improves FEV1, morning PEF, and reduces daytime symptoms, beta2-agonist usage, and night-time awakenings . This combination therapy also allows for a reduction in the dosage of inhaled corticosteroids, highlighting montelukast's glucocorticoid-sparing properties 14.
Intravenous Montelukast for Acute Asthma
7 mg Intravenous Dose
For acute asthma exacerbations, intravenous montelukast at a dose of 7 mg has been studied. This administration route provides rapid relief of airway obstruction, with significant improvements in FEV1 observed as early as 10 minutes post-administration . Although the primary endpoint of treatment failure did not differ significantly between montelukast and placebo, the rapid onset of action makes it a valuable adjunctive therapy in acute settings .
Conclusion
Montelukast is a versatile and effective treatment for asthma in adults, with a standard oral dosage of 10 mg once daily. It is well-tolerated and can be used both as monotherapy for mild persistent asthma and in combination with inhaled corticosteroids for more severe cases. Additionally, intravenous montelukast offers a rapid response for acute asthma exacerbations, further broadening its therapeutic applications.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic