About Montelukast + Levocetirizine 10 mg/5 mg Tablet
Montelukast + Levocetirizine 10 mg/5 mg Tablet contains Montelukast 10 mg + Levocetirizine 5 mg. This combination of two allergy medicines is used to relieve the sneezing, runny or blocked nose, and itchy, watery eyes of allergic rhinitis. Levocetirizine is an antihistamine and montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist; together they act on two different chemicals the body releases during an allergic reaction. It is usually taken once a day in the evening, with or without food.
Uses of Montelukast + Levocetirizine 10 mg/5 mg Tablet
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) — seasonal or year-round
- Sneezing, runny nose and nasal congestion caused by allergy
- Itchy, watery eyes caused by allergy
Benefits
In allergic rhinitis
It eases sneezing, a runny or blocked nose and itchy eyes, which can help you sleep and work better. It works best when taken regularly for as long as your doctor advises, rather than only on bad days.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild and settle as your body gets used to the medicine. Talk to your doctor if any of them bother you or do not go away.
Common
- Drowsiness
- Tiredness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
Get medical help if you notice
- Mood or behaviour changes such as agitation, bad dreams, depression or thoughts of self-harm (reported with montelukast) — stop and contact your doctor straight away
- Allergic reaction: rash, swelling of the face or lips, difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, usually once a day in the evening. Swallow the tablet whole with water; it can be taken with or without food.
How it works
Levocetirizine blocks histamine, a chemical that causes sneezing, itching and a runny nose. Montelukast blocks leukotrienes, chemicals that cause swelling and congestion in the airways and nose.
Safety advice
Alcohol Unsafe
Avoid alcohol. It can increase the drowsiness caused by this medicine.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
Use only if your doctor advises it. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
Levocetirizine may pass into breast milk. Ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Driving Caution
It can make you drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.
Kidney Caution
Use with caution in kidney disease; your doctor may change the dose or how often you take it. It is not recommended in severe kidney disease.
Liver Consult your doctor
Limited information is available. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember the same day. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Take it in the evening, as it can make you sleepy.
- Keep taking it for the full time your doctor advised, even if you feel better.
- Tell your doctor straight away about any change in mood, sleep or behaviour.
- It does not treat a sudden asthma attack — keep your reliever inhaler with you if you have asthma.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Piperazine derivative (levocetirizine); quinoline derivative (montelukast)
- Therapeutic class
- Respiratory / anti-allergy
- Action class
- H1 antihistamine + leukotriene receptor antagonist
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Sedatives, sleeping pills and some pain medicines | Can add to drowsiness |
| Phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampicin | May lower the level of montelukast in the blood |
| Theophylline | May increase the effect of levocetirizine |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Levocetirizine and montelukast prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); US FDA boxed warning for montelukast, 2020). Pharmacist review pending.