— Product
MONTEROS-L SYRP 60ML
LEVOCETRIZINE + MONTELUKAST
MONTEROS-L SYRP 60ML is a paediatric syrup combining levocetirizine with montelukast. It is used for allergic rhinitis and allergic cough in children, and in allergic rhinitis with coexisting asthma, with the dose set by age and weight.
01
Benefits
- Levocetirizine relieves sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes with less sedation than cetirizine.
- Montelukast blocks leukotrienes, a pathway antihistamines do not affect, and is effective for nasal blockage.
- Montelukast also treats coexisting asthma, common in children with allergic rhinitis.
- The liquid form allows dosing by age and weight, which fixed-strength tablets cannot.
- Once-daily evening dosing suits childhood routines.
02
Side effects
Not everyone gets these. Most are mild and settle as the course finishes.
Common
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Dry mouth
Less common
- Vivid dreams, nightmares or disturbed sleep
- Irritability or hyperactivity
- Nausea
- Dizziness
Stop and get medical help if any of these occur
- Agitation, aggression, unusual behaviour change, or thoughts of self-harm — montelukast can cause serious neuropsychiatric reactions in children
- Nightmares, hallucinations or marked sleep disturbance
- Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing
- Worsening wheeze or breathlessness
- Widespread rash with blistering or peeling skin
03
Precautions
- Montelukast carries a warning for serious neuropsychiatric events in children — including nightmares, aggression, behaviour change and suicidal thoughts. Parents must be told what to watch for and to report it immediately.
- Montelukast is not a rescue treatment and does not relieve an acute asthma attack; the reliever inhaler must remain available.
- Do not reduce inhaled corticosteroid therapy on starting montelukast without medical advice.
- Dose by age and weight on the prescriber's instruction, using the measure supplied.
- May cause drowsiness, which can affect a child's alertness at school.
- Do not combine with cetirizine or with another antihistamine-containing preparation.
- Dose reduction is required in renal impairment; shake well before each dose.