From the Guidelines
Montelukast is not given once a week, but rather once daily. Montelukast (brand name Singulair) is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used to treat asthma and allergic rhinitis. The standard dosing for adults and adolescents is 10 mg once daily, typically taken in the evening, as stated in the study 1. Children receive lower doses, also taken once daily. The medication works by blocking leukotriene receptors in the airways, which helps reduce inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus production. This once-daily dosing schedule is effective because montelukast has a long half-life and its therapeutic effects last for 24 hours. Some key points to consider when prescribing montelukast include:
- It is an appropriate alternative therapy for mild persistent asthma in patients who are unable or unwilling to use inhaled corticosteroids, as noted in the study 1.
- It has the advantages of ease of use and high rates of compliance, and can provide good control of asthma symptoms in many patients.
- For patients 12 years and older, combining leukotriene receptor antagonists and inhaled corticosteroids is an alternative for moderate persistent asthma. The once-daily dosing also improves medication adherence compared to medications that must be taken multiple times per day, which is crucial for maintaining control of asthma symptoms and improving quality of life.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Dosage Frequency of Montelukast
- The provided studies do not explicitly state why montelukast is given once a week, but they do discuss the typical dosage frequency of montelukast, which is usually once daily 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Montelukast is typically administered orally once daily for the treatment of chronic asthma in adults and children 3.
- The recommended dose of montelukast is 10 mg once daily for adults and 5 mg once daily for children aged 6-14 years 2, 3.
Efficacy and Safety of Montelukast
- Montelukast has been shown to be effective in improving lung function and reducing symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis in adults and children 2, 4, 5.
- The drug has also been found to be well-tolerated, with a safety profile similar to that of placebo 3, 4.
- Montelukast can reduce the need for inhaled corticosteroids while maintaining asthma control over a 24-week period 6.
Administration and Treatment
- Montelukast can be used as monotherapy in patients with mild persistent asthma or as an adjunct to inhaled corticosteroids in patients with more severe asthma 2.
- The addition of montelukast to inhaled corticosteroid therapy can lead to a reduction in inhaled corticosteroid dose without a significant decrease in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) 6.