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montelukast (MON)
Montelukast blocks cysteinyl leukotriene receptors (CysLT1) on airway and immune cells, preventing leukotriene-mediated inflammation and bronchoconstriction.
Montelukast blocks cysteinyl leukotriene receptors (CysLT1) on airway and immune cells, preventing leukotriene-mediated inflammation and bronchoconstriction. Used for Asthma (maintenance and acute prevention), Allergic rhinitis, Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.
At a glance
| Generic name | montelukast (MON) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | GlaxoSmithKline |
| Drug class | Cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) |
| Target | CysLT1 receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Respiratory / Immunology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Leukotrienes are inflammatory mediators released by mast cells and eosinophils that bind to CysLT1 receptors, triggering airway smooth muscle contraction, mucus secretion, and eosinophil recruitment. By antagonizing these receptors, montelukast reduces the inflammatory cascade underlying asthma and allergic rhinitis, decreasing airway hyperresponsiveness and symptoms.
Approved indications
- Asthma (maintenance and acute prevention)
- Allergic rhinitis
- Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction
Common side effects
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Dyspepsia
- Neuropsychiatric effects (mood changes, suicidality)
Key clinical trials
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- montelukast (MON) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- montelukast (MON) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- GlaxoSmithKline portfolio CI