The Basics
What is Montelukast?
Used to prevent wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and coughing caused by asthma.
Brand names for Montelukast
Singulair
How Montelukast is classified
Anti-Asthmatic Agents, Leukotriene Antagonists
Montelukast During Pregnancy
Montelukast pregnancy category
Category BNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Montelukast while pregnant
N/A
Taking Montelukast While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Montelukast?
Very low levels of montelukast appear in breastmilk. Montelukast is approved for use in children as young as 6 months of age and has been used in neonates in dosages far greater than the amounts in breastmilk. Amounts ingested by the infant would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants No special precautions are required.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Very low levels of montelukast appear in breastmilk. Montelukast is approved for use in children as young as 6 months of age and has been used in neonates in dosages far greater than the amounts in breastmilk. Amounts ingested by the infant would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants No special precautions are required.
Possible effects of Montelukast on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Montelukast
Beclomethasone, Cromolyn, Terbutaline, Theophylline, Zafirlukast.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Datta P, Rewers-Felkins K, Baker T, Hale TW. Transfer of Montelukast into Human Milk During Lactation. Breastfeed Med. 2017;12:54-7. PMID: 28002678
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
