MONTELUKAST SODIUM

72/100 · Elevated

Manufactured by Organon LLC

Montelukast Sodium Adverse Events: High Seriousness and Diverse Reactions

305,313 FDA adverse event reports analyzed

Last updated: 2026-05-12

About MONTELUKAST SODIUM

MONTELUKAST SODIUM is a medication tracked in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), manufactured by Organon LLC. Based on analysis of 305,313 FDA adverse event reports, MONTELUKAST SODIUM has a safety score of 72 out of 100. This score indicates a relatively favorable safety profile, with fewer or less severe adverse events compared to many other tracked medications. The most commonly reported adverse reactions for MONTELUKAST SODIUM include ASTHMA, DYSPNOEA, DRUG INEFFECTIVE, COUGH, FATIGUE. This page provides a comprehensive breakdown of reported side effects, safety signals, patient demographics, and AI-powered safety analysis for MONTELUKAST SODIUM.

AI Safety Analysis

Montelukast Sodium has a safety concern score of 72 out of 100, placing it in the elevated concern category based on analysis of FDA adverse event data. The FDA has received approximately 305,313 adverse event reports for this medication, which is primarily manufactured by Organon Llc.

The most commonly reported adverse events include Asthma, Dyspnoea, Drug Ineffective. Of classified reports, 60.9% were designated as serious by the FDA, meaning they involved hospitalization, disability, or other significant medical outcomes. The majority of adverse events are serious, with a high percentage of reports involving respiratory issues.

A wide variety of reactions are reported, indicating a complex safety profile. The drug is frequently reported to be ineffective, suggesting potential issues with efficacy. There is a notable number of reports related to mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. Reports of weight changes, both increase and decrease, are common, indicating potential metabolic effects.

Patients taking Montelukast Sodium should monitor for the commonly reported side effects and contact their healthcare provider if they experience any unusual symptoms. Montelukast sodium may interact with other drugs, and patients should be aware of potential side effects and consult their healthcare provider before combining with other medications. This analysis is based on voluntary FDA adverse event reports and should not replace professional medical advice.

Safety Score: 72/100

Montelukast Sodium received a safety concern score of 72/100 (elevated concern). This is based on a 60.9% serious event ratio across 116,883 classified reports. The score accounts for 305,313 total adverse event reports and 100 distinct reaction types. This elevated score indicates a notable proportion of serious adverse events and warrants careful monitoring.

Top Adverse Reactions

ASTHMA14,472 reports
DYSPNOEA14,343 reports
DRUG INEFFECTIVE8,862 reports
COUGH8,691 reports
FATIGUE8,433 reports
HEADACHE7,939 reports
WHEEZING7,383 reports
PNEUMONIA6,656 reports
NAUSEA6,586 reports
PAIN6,283 reports
MALAISE5,116 reports
ANXIETY4,732 reports
DIZZINESS4,691 reports
DIARRHOEA4,640 reports
OFF LABEL USE4,478 reports
VOMITING4,364 reports
PRURITUS4,312 reports
ARTHRALGIA4,057 reports
PYREXIA3,965 reports
DEPRESSION3,912 reports
SINUSITIS3,899 reports
RASH3,805 reports
INSOMNIA3,659 reports
WEIGHT DECREASED3,573 reports
CHEST DISCOMFORT3,509 reports
NASOPHARYNGITIS3,405 reports
FALL3,375 reports
THERAPEUTIC PRODUCT EFFECT INCOMPLETE3,274 reports
ASTHENIA3,273 reports
HYPERSENSITIVITY3,254 reports
URTICARIA3,198 reports
PAIN IN EXTREMITY3,135 reports
DRUG HYPERSENSITIVITY3,130 reports
CONDITION AGGRAVATED3,034 reports
HYPERTENSION3,032 reports
BACK PAIN2,951 reports
PRODUCT DOSE OMISSION ISSUE2,936 reports
WEIGHT INCREASED2,917 reports
PRODUCTIVE COUGH2,900 reports
LOSS OF PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE IN DAILY ACTIVITIES2,856 reports
BRONCHITIS2,811 reports
CHEST PAIN2,716 reports
FEELING ABNORMAL2,519 reports
GASTROOESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE2,385 reports
OBSTRUCTIVE AIRWAYS DISORDER2,324 reports
INFLUENZA2,321 reports
BLOOD PRESSURE INCREASED2,312 reports
COVID 192,213 reports
NASAL CONGESTION2,212 reports
UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION2,204 reports
PRODUCT USE IN UNAPPROVED INDICATION2,187 reports
SUICIDAL IDEATION2,179 reports
INJECTION SITE PAIN2,170 reports
CONSTIPATION2,162 reports
ERYTHEMA2,145 reports
SLEEP DISORDER DUE TO A GENERAL MEDICAL CONDITION2,111 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN2,050 reports
DEATH2,033 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN UPPER1,999 reports
MUSCLE SPASMS1,987 reports
CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE1,939 reports
URINARY TRACT INFECTION1,876 reports
OROPHARYNGEAL PAIN1,874 reports
TREMOR1,873 reports
INFECTION1,815 reports
SOMNOLENCE1,809 reports
RHINORRHOEA1,774 reports
GAIT DISTURBANCE1,751 reports
MYALGIA1,725 reports
PRODUCT USE ISSUE1,670 reports
INAPPROPRIATE SCHEDULE OF PRODUCT ADMINISTRATION1,648 reports
HEART RATE INCREASED1,646 reports
HYPERHIDROSIS1,637 reports
PERIPHERAL SWELLING1,621 reports
DECREASED APPETITE1,615 reports
DYSPNOEA EXERTIONAL1,600 reports
OEDEMA PERIPHERAL1,581 reports
ILLNESS1,580 reports
FULL BLOOD COUNT ABNORMAL1,547 reports
MIGRAINE1,543 reports
PARAESTHESIA1,537 reports
AGGRESSION1,531 reports
HYPOAESTHESIA1,522 reports
PRODUCT QUALITY ISSUE1,506 reports
DYSPHONIA1,489 reports
ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT1,462 reports
SLEEP DISORDER1,450 reports
SPUTUM DISCOLOURED1,419 reports
ALOPECIA1,386 reports
PALPITATIONS1,343 reports
ABNORMAL BEHAVIOUR1,293 reports
RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION1,289 reports
HYPOTENSION1,280 reports
CONTUSION1,269 reports
INCORRECT DOSE ADMINISTERED1,267 reports
JOINT SWELLING1,237 reports
CHILLS1,227 reports
LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION1,225 reports
DRUG DOSE OMISSION1,207 reports
BLOOD COUNT ABNORMAL1,180 reports

Key Safety Signals

  • High percentage of serious adverse events (60.9%)
  • Respiratory issues are the most common reactions, including asthma, wheezing, and pneumonia
  • Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression are frequently reported
  • Weight changes (both increase and decrease) are commonly reported
  • Drug ineffectiveness is a significant concern

Patient Demographics

Adverse event reports by sex: Female: 78,334, Male: 31,199, Unknown: 186. The most frequently reported age groups are age 65 (2,153 reports), age 60 (1,794 reports), age 58 (1,744 reports). These demographics reflect reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Report Outcomes

Out of 116,883 classified reports for MONTELUKAST SODIUM:

  • Serious: 71,200 reports (60.9%) — includes hospitalization, disability, life-threatening events, or death
  • Non-Serious: 45,683 reports (39.1%)
Serious 60.9%Non-Serious 39.1%

The FDA classifies an adverse event as “serious” if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, congenital anomaly, or requires intervention to prevent permanent damage.

Demographics Breakdown

Reports by Sex

Female78,334 (71.4%)
Male31,199 (28.4%)
Unknown186 (0.2%)

Reports by Age

Age 652,153 reports
Age 601,794 reports
Age 581,744 reports
Age 611,707 reports
Age 621,693 reports
Age 541,641 reports
Age 641,628 reports
Age 571,560 reports
Age 561,552 reports
Age 631,550 reports
Age 591,494 reports
Age 661,483 reports
Age 551,439 reports
Age 681,405 reports
Age 691,384 reports
Age 701,383 reports
Age 531,372 reports
Age 671,351 reports
Age 711,289 reports
Age 521,286 reports

Demographics reflect voluntary FDA adverse event reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Drug Interactions & Warnings

Montelukast sodium may interact with other drugs, and patients should be aware of potential side effects and consult their healthcare provider before combining with other medications.

What You Should Know

If you are taking Montelukast Sodium, here are important things to know. The most commonly reported side effects include asthma, dyspnoea, drug ineffective, cough, fatigue. While many of these may be mild and temporary, you should contact your healthcare provider if any symptoms are severe or persistent. Monitor for respiratory symptoms and seek medical attention if they worsen. Report any unusual or severe side effects to the FDA's MedWatch program. If you experience a serious adverse reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately or call 911. You can report side effects to the FDA's MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Regulatory Context

The FDA continues to monitor the safety of montelukast sodium, and regulatory actions may be taken based on ongoing data analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many adverse event reports has the FDA received for Montelukast Sodium?

The FDA has received approximately 305,313 adverse event reports associated with Montelukast Sodium. These reports come from healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Note that the number of reports does not directly indicate the frequency of side effects, as adverse events are voluntarily reported and may be underrepresented.

What are the most commonly reported side effects of Montelukast Sodium?

The most frequently reported adverse events for Montelukast Sodium include Asthma, Dyspnoea, Drug Ineffective, Cough, Fatigue. By volume, the top reported reactions are: Asthma (14,472 reports), Dyspnoea (14,343 reports), Drug Ineffective (8,862 reports). These figures reflect FDA adverse event reports and may not represent the true incidence rate of these side effects in all patients taking Montelukast Sodium.

What percentage of Montelukast Sodium adverse event reports are serious?

Out of 116,883 classified reports, 71,200 (60.9%) were classified as serious and 45,683 as non-serious. The FDA classifies an event as "serious" if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, or other medically significant outcomes. A higher serious-event ratio warrants closer attention but does not necessarily mean the drug is unsafe.

Who reports adverse events for Montelukast Sodium (by sex)?

Adverse event reports for Montelukast Sodium break down by patient sex as follows: Female: 78,334, Male: 31,199, Unknown: 186. This distribution reflects reporting patterns rather than actual risk differences between groups. Reporting rates can be influenced by prescribing patterns, disease demographics, and reporting behavior.

What age groups report the most side effects for Montelukast Sodium?

The most frequently reported age groups for Montelukast Sodium adverse events are: age 65: 2,153 reports, age 60: 1,794 reports, age 58: 1,744 reports, age 61: 1,707 reports, age 62: 1,693 reports. Age-related reporting patterns can reflect both the demographics of the patient population and potential age-related susceptibility to certain side effects.

Who manufactures Montelukast Sodium?

The primary manufacturer associated with Montelukast Sodium adverse event reports is Organon Llc. Multiple manufacturers may produce generic versions of this drug. The manufacturer listed reflects the most frequently reported brand in FDA adverse event data.

What other side effects have been reported for Montelukast Sodium?

Beyond the most common reactions, other reported adverse events for Montelukast Sodium include: Headache, Wheezing, Pneumonia, Nausea, Pain. Less common side effects can still be clinically significant. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.

How do I report a side effect from Montelukast Sodium?

You can report adverse events from Montelukast Sodium to the FDA through their MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch, by calling 1-800-FDA-1088, or by completing Form FDA 3500. Healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers can all submit reports. Reporting helps the FDA monitor drug safety after approval.

What is Montelukast Sodium's safety score and what does it mean?

Montelukast Sodium has a safety concern score of 72 out of 100 (elevated concern). This score is calculated from the ratio of serious to non-serious adverse events, the diversity of reported reactions, and the overall volume of reports relative to usage. The majority of adverse events are serious, with a high percentage of reports involving respiratory issues.

What are the key safety signals for Montelukast Sodium?

Key safety signals identified in Montelukast Sodium's adverse event data include: High percentage of serious adverse events (60.9%). Respiratory issues are the most common reactions, including asthma, wheezing, and pneumonia. Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression are frequently reported. Weight changes (both increase and decrease) are commonly reported. Drug ineffectiveness is a significant concern. These signals are derived from patterns in FDA reports and should be discussed with a healthcare provider for personalized assessment.

Does Montelukast Sodium interact with other drugs?

Montelukast sodium may interact with other drugs, and patients should be aware of potential side effects and consult their healthcare provider before combining with other medications. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you are taking before starting Montelukast Sodium.

What should patients know before taking Montelukast Sodium?

Monitor for respiratory symptoms and seek medical attention if they worsen. Report any unusual or severe side effects to the FDA's MedWatch program.

Are Montelukast Sodium side effects well-documented?

Montelukast Sodium has 305,313 adverse event reports on file with the FDA. A wide variety of reactions are reported, indicating a complex safety profile. The volume of reports for Montelukast Sodium reflects both the drug's usage level and the vigilance of the reporting community.

What is the FDA's position on Montelukast Sodium?

The FDA continues to monitor the safety of montelukast sodium, and regulatory actions may be taken based on ongoing data analysis. For the most current regulatory information, check the FDA's drug labeling database or consult your pharmacist.

Related Drugs

Drugs related to MONTELUKAST SODIUM based on therapeutic use, drug class, or shared indications:

Montelukast SodiumOther asthma medicationsAntidepressantsAntihistaminesCorticosteroids
Important Disclaimer: This content is generated by AI analysis of FDA adverse event reports and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Adverse event reports submitted to the FDA do not prove that a medication caused the reported side effect. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you experience a serious side effect, contact your doctor or call 911 immediately.