What is the dose of Montelukast (Singulair) inhaler and how should it be administered?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: April 2, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

Montelukast is not available as an inhaler; it is an oral medication typically taken as a tablet, chewable tablet, or oral granules. The standard dose for adults and adolescents is not specified in the provided evidence, however, according to general medical knowledge, the dose is 10 mg once daily in the evening for adults and adolescents 15 years and older. Children's doses also vary by age:

  • Children 6-14 years old should take 5 mg once daily in the evening,
  • while children 2-5 years old take 4 mg once daily in the evening using chewable tablets or oral granules. For children 12-23 months, the dose is 4 mg of oral granules once daily in the evening 1. Montelukast should be taken consistently at the same time each day, preferably in the evening, and can be taken with or without food. It works by blocking leukotrienes, substances in the body that cause airway constriction, inflammation, and mucus production in asthma, as mentioned in the context of leukotriene receptor antagonists in the study 1. Unlike rescue inhalers, montelukast is a controller medication meant for daily use to prevent symptoms, not for treating acute asthma attacks. Patients should continue taking it even when feeling well and should not abruptly stop without consulting their healthcare provider. Key points to consider when taking montelukast include:
  • It is not an inhaler, but rather an oral medication
  • The dosage varies by age
  • It should be taken consistently at the same time each day
  • It is a controller medication, not for acute asthma attacks
  • Patients should not stop taking it without consulting their healthcare provider, as stated in general medical practice and supported by the study on medical therapy for asthma 1.

From the Research

Dosage of Montelukast

  • The recommended dose of montelukast is 10mg orally, as confirmed by several clinical studies 2, 3, 4, 5.

Administration of Montelukast

  • Montelukast should be taken once daily, as it is a selective and orally-active leukotriene-receptor antagonist 3, 4, 5.
  • There is no evidence to suggest that montelukast is available as an inhaler, as all studies mention it as an oral medication 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Important Considerations

  • Montelukast is effective and well-tolerated in the treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis in adults and children 2, 3, 4, 5.
  • It is essential to follow the prescribed dosage and administration instructions to ensure the safe and effective use of montelukast 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Montelukast in the treatment of asthma and beyond.

Expert review of clinical immunology, 2009

Research

Montelukast in guidelines and beyond.

Advances in therapy, 2009

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.