Montelukast Sodium
Also known as: Singulair
* **Administration:** May be given with or without food. * **Not a Rescue Drug:** This drug is for long-term maintenance and is **not** for the immediate treatment of acute asthma attacks or severe breathing difficulties. * **Observation:** This drug has not been used extensively in animals. Please monitor your pet closely and report any adverse effects (such as behavioral changes or stomach upset) to your veterinarian immediately.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Feline asthma
- Adjunctive treatment of the chronic 'snuffler'
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Adjunctive treatment of feline heartworm
How it is given
Possible side effects
- No significant adverse effects reported in cats to date
- Humans (rare): behavioral effects (aggression, suicidal thoughts), palpitations, cholestatic hepatitis, allergic granulomatous angiitis
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to montelukast or any component of the product
- Not for use in reversing acute bronchospasm (asthma attacks)
- **Warnings and Precautions:** * **Not a rescue medication:** Do not use to attempt to reverse acute bronchospasm or acute asthma attacks. * **Pregnancy/Nursing:** Appears safe to use during pregnancy (FDA Category B in humans). Likely safe to use during nursing, though it is excreted in milk. * **Hepatic metabolism:** Use with caution in patients with severe hepatic impairment, as the drug is extensively metabolized in the liver.
Drug interactions
- Phenobarbital: CYP-450 enzyme inducer; may reduce montelukast plasma concentrations and efficacy.
- Rifampin: CYP-450 enzyme inducer; may reduce montelukast plasma concentrations and efficacy.
- Prednisone / Prednisolone: Severe peripheral edema has been reported in a human receiving both drugs, presumably due to increased renal tubular sodium and fluid retention. Clinical significance in veterinary patients is unclear.
Frequently asked questions
What is Montelukast Sodium used for in pets?
* **Administration:** May be given with or without food. * **Not a Rescue Drug:** This drug is for long-term maintenance and is **not** for the immediate treatment of acute asthma attacks or severe breathing difficulties. * **Observation:** This drug has not been used extensively in animals. Please monitor your pet closely and report any adverse effects (such as behavioral changes or stomach upset) to your veterinarian immediately.
Is Montelukast Sodium safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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