what is montelukast used for

Montelukast is a medication used to prevent and treat the symptoms of asthma and allergies. It works by blocking certain natural substances (leukotrienes) that may cause or worsen asthma and allergies. Montelukast can help decrease the number of times you need to use your quick relief inhaler. It is also used to prevent bronchospasm (breathing difficulties) during exercise in adults and children 6 years of age and older. Additionally, Montelukast is used to relieve symptoms of hay fever and allergic rhinitis (such as sneezing, stuffy/runny/itchy nose) in adults and children 2 years of age and older. Montelukast should be taken once a day with or without food, and when used to treat asthma, it should be taken in the evening. It comes in the form of tablets, chewable tablets, and granules to take by mouth.