Can Montelukast (Singulair) help with allergic reactions?

From the Guidelines

Montelukast (Singulair) is not the preferred treatment for allergic reactions, as intranasal corticosteroids have been shown to be more effective in reducing nasal symptoms. According to the 2017 joint task force on practice parameters, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine 1, five trials compared the efficacy of leukotriene receptor antagonists, such as montelukast, to intranasal corticosteroids, and the evidence clearly showed that intranasal corticosteroids were more effective in reducing nasal symptoms. Some key points to consider when using montelukast for allergic reactions include:

• The typical dose for adults and adolescents 15 years and older is 10 mg once daily
• Montelukast is particularly effective for people who have both asthma and allergies, as it can address both conditions simultaneously
• It may take several days to reach full effectiveness, so it's not ideal for immediate symptom relief
• Some patients may experience side effects, including headache, digestive issues, and rarely, mood changes or behavioral issues
• Montelukast should be used as prescribed by a healthcare provider, who can determine if it's appropriate based on your specific allergy symptoms and medical history. However, for patients who cannot tolerate or accept intranasal corticosteroids, montelukast may be a viable alternative, as some patients may prefer an oral agent despite its lesser efficacy 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

SINGULAIR is a medicine called a leukotriene receptor antagonist It works by blocking substances in the body called leukotrienes. Blocking leukotrienes improves asthma and allergic rhinitis. CysLTs have been correlated with the pathophysiology of asthma and allergic rhinitis In allergic rhinitis, CysLTs are released from the nasal mucosa after allergen exposure during both early- and late-phase reactions and are associated with symptoms of allergic rhinitis

Montelukast (Singulair) can help with allergic reactions by blocking the action of leukotrienes, which are substances in the body that are associated with the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

• Key benefits: Montelukast can improve symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy nose.
• Important note: Montelukast is not a substitute for other medications used to treat acute allergic reactions, and it should be used as directed by a healthcare provider. 2 2

From the Research

Montelukast and Allergic Reactions

• Montelukast (Singulair) has been shown to be effective in treating allergic rhinitis symptoms, including sneezing, itching, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, and watery eyes 3, 4, 5.
• Studies have demonstrated that montelukast reduces the Daily Rhinitis Symptoms score, improves daytime and nighttime nasal symptoms, and enhances quality of life in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis 4, 5.
• Montelukast has also been found to be beneficial in treating asthma symptoms, including reducing the need for rescue medication and improving lung function 3, 4.
• The medication is well-tolerated, with a safety profile similar to that of antihistamines, and is approved for use in adults and children as young as 6 months old 6, 7.

Mechanism of Action

• Montelukast works by inhibiting the cysteinyl leukotriene 1 (CysLT1) receptor, which plays a key role in the inflammatory response associated with allergic rhinitis and asthma 6.
• Leukotrienes are inflammatory mediators that contribute to the production of symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma, and montelukast's ability to block their action helps to alleviate these symptoms 6.

Clinical Evidence

• Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of montelukast in treating allergic rhinitis and asthma, including studies published in reputable journals such as Respiratory Medicine, Current Medical Research and Opinion, and Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 3, 4, 5.
• A review of the literature confirms that montelukast is a viable alternative for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis, with benefits equivalent to those of antihistamines and potential added benefits when used in combination with antihistamines 7.