Does montelukast (Singulair) cause weight gain?

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Last updated: February 15, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Research

Montelukast and Weight Gain

  • There is limited evidence to suggest that montelukast (Singulair) causes weight gain.
  • A case report from 1 describes a 22-year-old male patient who experienced unusual weight gain after 2 months of taking 10 mg oral montelukast daily for allergic rhinitis.
  • However, this is a rare case and not a comprehensive study on the effects of montelukast on weight.
  • Other studies, such as 2, 3, and 4, do not mention weight gain as a common side effect of montelukast.
  • A study on the metabolic profiles of montelukast in human plasma and bile 5 does not provide information on weight gain.

Side Effects of Montelukast

  • Common side effects of montelukast include sleep disturbance, agitation, pain, and hyperactivity, as reported in 4.
  • Other studies, such as 2 and 3, report that montelukast is generally well-tolerated and effective in treating asthma and allergic rhinitis.
  • A case report from 1 describes a rare case of montelukast-induced hypercholesterolemia, severe hypertriglyceridemia, and acute pancreatitis, which may be related to weight gain.

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.

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