How and when to take montelukast

Montelukast comes as 10mg non-chewable tablets, chewable tablets in strengths of 5mg or 4mg, and granules in sachets of 4mg.

The usual dose for adults and children aged 15 years old and over is one 10mg tablet once a day.

The usual dose for children aged 6 to 14 years old is one 5mg chewable tablet once a day.

The usual dose for children from 6 months to 5 years old is 4mg once a day. This can be taken as granules, or a chewable tablet for children over 2 years old.

Most people take montelukast once a day in the evening to prevent symptoms of asthma or allergies. However, if exercise makes your asthma worse, your doctor might tell you to take montelukast 2 hours before you exercise.

Never take more than 1 dose a day.

How to take non-chewable tablets

You can take montelukast non-chewable tablets with or without food.

Swallow the tablets whole with water, juice or milk. Do not chew these tablets.

How to take chewable tablets

It's important to take chewable tablets at least 1 hour before food, or 2 hours after food. This is so the medicine is absorbed into your body properly.

Chewable tablets can be chewed or sucked. You or your child can have a drink of water or squash afterwards.

How to give granules to a child

Montelukast granules come in a sachet with 4mg of granules inside (one dose). You can put them directly on your child's tongue. You can also mix the granules with a spoonful of cold, soft food, such as yoghurt or ice-cream.

Make sure your child takes the whole dose immediately (or within 15 minutes).

It's important not to dissolve the granules in a drink. You can give your child a drink afterwards.

Take montelukast for as long as your doctor recommends it. It will only keep working while you're taking it.

Do not stop taking montelukast without speaking to your doctor first, because your symptoms may get worse.

If you or your child miss a dose of montelukast, skip the missed dose and take your next dose the following day at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten one.

If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask a pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

• you take more than your prescribed dose of montelukast

Get help from 111 online or call 111. Call 111 if you need advice for a child under 5 years old

If you need to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the montelukast packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.