Key Points

Consider montelukast therapy:

  • as regular preventive therapy in children with frequent intermittent asthma or mild persistent asthma
  • in addition to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in children with exerciseinduced asthma that is not controlled by ICS at an optimal dose
  • in children with seasonal allergic rhinitis.

There is less evidence to support the use of montelukast as the sole preventive therapy in children with moderate-to-severe persistent asthma. These children are more likely to benefit from ICS therapy. Oral montelukast should not be relied on to manage acute asthma.1 Montelukast is registered for use in children aged 2 years and over.