Pediatric Dosage of Montek LC (Montelukast and Levocetirizine)
For pediatric patients, the recommended dosage of Montek LC should be based on age-specific formulations of montelukast: 4 mg chewable tablet for children 2-5 years, 5 mg chewable tablet for children 6-14 years, and 10 mg tablet for those 15 years and older. 1
Age-Specific Dosing Recommendations
- For children 2-5 years of age: 4 mg montelukast chewable tablet once daily in the evening 2
- For children 6-14 years of age: 5 mg montelukast chewable tablet once daily in the evening 3, 4
- For adolescents 15 years and older: 10 mg montelukast film-coated tablet once daily 4, 1
Pharmacokinetic Considerations
- The pediatric dosing for montelukast was carefully determined based on pharmacokinetic studies to ensure children achieve similar systemic exposure to the drug as adults receiving the standard dose 4
- The 5 mg chewable tablet for children 6-14 years yields a comparable plasma concentration-time curve profile to the adult 10 mg film-coated tablet dose 5
- Similarly, the 4 mg chewable tablet for children 2-5 years was selected to provide appropriate systemic exposure for this younger age group 2
Safety Profile
- Clinical trials have demonstrated that montelukast has a safety profile similar to placebo in both short-term and long-term administration 6
- The recommended pediatric doses (4 mg for ages 2-5 years and 5 mg for ages 6-14 years) have been validated in efficacy and safety studies 4, 2
- No dose-related adverse effects were observed even at doses substantially higher than the recommended clinical doses 6
Clinical Considerations
- Montelukast is administered once daily in the evening for optimal effect 3, 1
- The medication should not be used as rescue therapy for acute asthma symptoms due to its delayed onset of action 7
- Patient compliance is typically better with montelukast than with inhaled medications due to its oral, once-daily administration 7, 1
Important Caveats
- While Montek LC contains both montelukast and levocetirizine, specific dosing guidelines for the combination product in pediatric patients are limited in the available evidence
- The dosing recommendations provided are based on montelukast component guidelines, which should be considered when prescribing the combination product 1
- For children with moderate to severe persistent asthma, montelukast alone may be less effective than inhaled corticosteroids, and additional or alternative controller medications may be required 7