montelukast sodium

Montelukast sodium USP is a off-white to light yellow colored, hygroscopic powder. Montelukast sodium USP is freely soluble in water and in methylene chloride and very soluble to freely soluble in alcohol.

Each 10 mg film-coated montelukast sodium tablet contains 10.4 mg montelukast sodium, which is equivalent to 10 mg of montelukast, and the following inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose and magnesium stearate. The film coating consists of: hypromellose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, titanium dioxide, ferric oxide yellow, ferric oxide red and carnauba wax.

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

12.1 Mechanism of Action

The cysteinyl leukotrienes (LTC₄, LTD₄, LTE₄) are products of arachidonic acid metabolism and are released from various cells, including mast cells and eosinophils. These eicosanoids bind to cysteinyl leukotriene (CysLT) receptors. The CysLT type-1 (CysLT₁) receptor is found in the human airway (including airway smooth muscle cells and airway macrophages) and on other pro-inflammatory cells (including eosinophils and certain myeloid stem cells). CysLTs have been correlated with the pathophysiology of asthma and allergic rhinitis. In asthma, leukotriene-mediated effects include airway edema, smooth muscle contraction, and altered cellular activity associated with the inflammatory process. In allergic rhinitis, CysLTs are released from the nasal mucosa after allergen exposure during both early- and late-phase reactions and are associated with symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Montelukast is an orally active compound that binds with high affinity and selectivity to the CysLT₁ receptor (in preference to other pharmacologically important airway receptors, such as the prostanoid, cholinergic, or β-adrenergic receptor). Montelukast inhibits physiologic actions of LTD₄ at the CysLT₁ receptor without any agonist activity.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Montelukast causes inhibition of airway cysteinyl leukotriene receptors as demonstrated by the ability to inhibit bronchoconstriction due to inhaled LTD₄ in asthmatics. Doses as low as 5 mg cause substantial blockage of LTD₄-induced bronchoconstriction. In a placebo-controlled, crossover study (n=12), montelukast sodium inhibited early- and late-phase bronchoconstriction due to antigen challenge by 75% and 57%, respectively.

The effect of montelukast sodium on eosinophils in the peripheral blood was examined in clinical trials. In patients with asthma aged 2 years and older who received montelukast sodium, a decrease in mean peripheral blood eosinophil counts ranging from 9% to 15% was noted, compared with placebo, over the double-blind treatment periods. In patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis aged 15 years and older who received montelukast sodium, a mean increase of 0.2% in peripheral blood eosinophil counts was noted, compared with a mean increase of 12.5% in placebo-treated patients, over the double-blind treatment periods; this reflects a mean difference of 12.3% in favor of montelukast sodium. The relationship between these observations and the clinical benefits of montelukast noted in the clinical trials is not known [see Clinical Studies (14)].

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Montelukast is rapidly absorbed following oral administration. After administration of the 10-mg film-coated tablet to fasted adults, the mean peak montelukast plasma concentration (C_max) is achieved in 3 to 4 hours (T_max). The mean oral bioavailability is 64%. The oral bioavailability and C_max are not influenced by a standard meal in the morning.

The safety and efficacy of montelukast sodium in patients with asthma were demonstrated in clinical trials in which the 10-mg film-coated tablet formulation was administered in the evening without regard to the time of food ingestion.

The safety and efficacy of montelukast sodium in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis were demonstrated in clinical trials in which the 10-mg film-coated tablet was administered in the morning or evening without regard to the time of food ingestion.

Distribution

Montelukast is more than 99% bound to plasma proteins. The steady state volume of distribution of montelukast averages 8 to 11 liters. Studies in rats with radiolabeled montelukast indicate minimal distribution across the blood-brain barrier. In addition, concentrations of radiolabeled material at 24 hours postdose were minimal in all other tissues.

Metabolism

Montelukast is extensively metabolized. In studies with therapeutic doses, plasma concentrations of metabolites of montelukast are undetectable at steady state in adults and pediatric patients.

In vitro studies using human liver microsomes indicate that CYP3A4, 2C8 and 2C9 are involved in the metabolism of montelukast. At clinically relevant concentrations, 2C8 appears to play a major role in the metabolism of montelukast.

Elimination

The plasma clearance of montelukast averages 45 mL/min in healthy adults. Following an oral dose of radiolabeled montelukast, 86% of the radioactivity was recovered in 5-day fecal collections and <0.2% was recovered in urine. Coupled with estimates of montelukast oral bioavailability, this indicates that montelukast and its metabolites are excreted almost exclusively via the bile.

In several studies, the mean plasma half-life of montelukast ranged from 2.7 to 5.5 hours in healthy young adults. The pharmacokinetics of montelukast are nearly linear for oral doses up to 50 mg. During once-daily dosing with 10-mg montelukast, there is little accumulation of the parent drug in plasma (14%).

Special Populations

Hepatic Insufficiency: Patients with mild-to-moderate hepatic insufficiency and clinical evidence of cirrhosis had evidence of decreased metabolism of montelukast resulting in 41% (90% CI=7%, 85%) higher mean montelukast AUC following a single 10-mg dose. The elimination of montelukast was slightly prolonged compared with that in healthy subjects (mean half-life, 7.4 hours). No dosage adjustment is required in patients with mild-to-moderate hepatic insufficiency. The pharmacokinetics of montelukast sodium in patients with more severe hepatic impairment or with hepatitis have not been evaluated.

Renal Insufficiency: Since montelukast and its metabolites are not excreted in the urine, the pharmacokinetics of montelukast were not evaluated in patients with renal insufficiency. No dosage adjustment is recommended in these patients.

Gender: The pharmacokinetics of montelukast are similar in males and females.

Race: Pharmacokinetic differences due to race have not been studied.

Adolescents and Pediatric Patients: Pharmacokinetic studies evaluated the systemic exposure of the 10-mg film-coated tablets in young adults and adolescents ≥15 years of age.

The plasma concentration profile of montelukast following administration of the 10-mg film-coated tablet is similar in adolescents ≥15 years of age and young adults. The 10-mg film-coated tablet is recommended for use in patients ≥15 years of age.

Drug-Drug Interactions

Theophylline, Prednisone, and Prednisolone: Montelukast sodium has been administered with other therapies routinely used in the prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma with no apparent increase in adverse reactions. In drug-interaction studies, the recommended clinical dose of montelukast did not have clinically important effects on the pharmacokinetics of the following drugs: theophylline, prednisone, and prednisolone.

Montelukast at a dose of 10 mg once daily dosed to pharmacokinetic steady state, did not cause clinically significant changes in the kinetics of a single intravenous dose of theophylline [predominantly a cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2 substrate]. Montelukast at doses of ≥100 mg daily dosed to pharmacokinetic steady state, did not cause any clinically significant change in plasma profiles of prednisone or prednisolone following administration of either oral prednisone or intravenous prednisolone.

Oral Contraceptives, Terfenadine, Digoxin, and Warfarin: In drug interaction studies, the recommended clinical dose of montelukast did not have clinically important effects on the pharmacokinetics of the following drugs: oral contraceptives (norethindrone 1 mg/ethinyl estradiol 35 mcg), terfenadine, digoxin, and warfarin. Montelukast at doses of ≥100 mg daily dosed to pharmacokinetic steady state did not significantly alter the plasma concentrations of either component of an oral contraceptive containing norethindrone 1 mg/ethinyl estradiol 35 mcg. Montelukast at a dose of 10 mg once daily dosed to pharmacokinetic steady state did not change the plasma concentration profile of terfenadine (a substrate of CYP3A4) or fexofenadine, the carboxylated metabolite, and did not prolong the QTc interval following co-administration with terfenadine 60 mg twice daily; did not change the pharmacokinetic profile or urinary excretion of immunoreactive digoxin; did not change the pharmacokinetic profile of warfarin (primarily a substrate of CYP2C9, 3A4 and 1A2) or influence the effect of a single 30-mg oral dose of warfarin on prothrombin time or the International Normalized Ratio (INR).

Thyroid Hormones, Sedative Hypnotics, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Benzodiazepines, and Decongestants: Although additional specific interaction studies were not performed, montelukast sodium was used concomitantly with a wide range of commonly prescribed drugs in clinical studies without evidence of clinical adverse interactions. These medications included thyroid hormones, sedative hypnotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, benzodiazepines, and decongestants.

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) Enzyme Inducers: Phenobarbital, which induces hepatic metabolism, decreased the area under the plasma concentration curve (AUC) of montelukast approximately 40% following a single 10-mg dose of montelukast. No dosage adjustment for montelukast sodium is recommended. It is reasonable to employ appropriate clinical monitoring when potent CYP enzyme inducers, such as phenobarbital or rifampin, are co-administered with montelukast sodium.

Effect of Montelukast on Cytochrome P450 (CYP) Enzymes: Montelukast is a potent inhibitor of CYP2C8 in vitro. However, data from a clinical drug-drug interaction study involving montelukast and rosiglitazone (a probe substrate representative of drugs primarily metabolized by CYP2C8) in 12 healthy individuals demonstrated that the pharmacokinetics of rosiglitazone are not altered when the drugs are coadministered, indicating that montelukast does not inhibit CYP2C8 in vivo. Therefore, montelukast is not anticipated to alter the metabolism of drugs metabolized by this enzyme (e.g., paclitaxel, rosiglitazone, and repaglinide). Based on further in vitro results in human liver microsomes, therapeutic plasma concentrations of montelukast do not inhibit CYP 3A4, 2C9, 1A2, 2A6, 2C19, or 2D6.

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) Enzyme Inhibitors: In vitro studies have shown that montelukast is a substrate of CYP 2C8, 2C9, and 3A4. Co-administration of montelukast with itraconazole, a strong CYP 3A4 inhibitor, resulted in no significant increase in the systemic exposure of montelukast. Data from a clinical drug-drug interaction study involving montelukast and gemfibrozil (an inhibitor of both CYP 2C8 and 2C9) demonstrated that gemfibrozil, at a therapeutic dose, increased the systemic exposure of montelukast by 4.4-fold. Co-administration of itraconazole, gemfibrozil, and montelukast did not further increase the systemic exposure of montelukast. Based on available clinical experience, no dosage adjustment of montelukast is required upon co-administration with gemfibrozil [see Overdosage (10)].

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

No evidence of tumorigenicity was seen in carcinogenicity studies of either 2 years in Sprague-Dawley rats or 92 weeks in mice at oral gavage doses up to 200 mg/kg/day or 100 mg/kg/day, respectively. The estimated exposure in rats was approximately 120 and 75 times the AUC for adults and children, respectively, at the maximum recommended daily oral dose. The estimated exposure in mice was approximately 45 and 25 times the AUC for adults and children, respectively, at the maximum recommended daily oral dose.

Montelukast demonstrated no evidence of mutagenic or clastogenic activity in the following assays: the microbial mutagenesis assay, the V-79 mammalian cell mutagenesis assay, the alkaline elution assay in rat hepatocytes, the chromosomal aberration assay in Chinese hamster ovary cells, and in the in vivo mouse bone marrow chromosomal aberration assay.

In fertility studies in female rats, montelukast produced reductions in fertility and fecundity indices at an oral dose of 200 mg/kg (estimated exposure was approximately 70 times the AUC for adults at the maximum recommended daily oral dose). No effects on female fertility or fecundity were observed at an oral dose of 100 mg/kg (estimated exposure was approximately 20 times the AUC for adults at the maximum recommended daily oral dose). Montelukast had no effects on fertility in male rats at oral doses up to 800 mg/kg (estimated exposure was approximately 160 times the AUC for adults at the maximum recommended daily oral dose).

13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology

Reproductive Toxicology Studies

No teratogenicity was observed at oral doses up to 400 mg/kg/day and 300 mg/kg/day in rats and rabbits, respectively. These doses were approximately 100 and 110 times the maximum recommended daily oral dose in adults, respectively, based on AUCs. Montelukast crosses the placenta following oral dosing in rats and rabbits [see Pregnancy (8.1)].

14 CLINICAL STUDIES

14.1 Asthma

Adults and Adolescents 15 Years of Age and Older with Asthma

Clinical trials in adults and adolescents 15 years of age and older demonstrated there is no additional clinical benefit to montelukast doses above 10 mg once daily.

The efficacy of montelukast sodium for the chronic treatment of asthma in adults and adolescents 15 years of age and older was demonstrated in two (U.S. and Multinational) similarly designed, randomized, 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in 1576 patients (795 treated with montelukast sodium, 530 treated with placebo, and 251 treated with active control). The median age was 33 years (range 15 to 85); 56.8% were females and 43.2% were males. The ethnic/racial distribution in these studies was 71.6% Caucasian, 17.7% Hispanic, 7.2% other origins and 3.5% Black. Patients had mild or moderate asthma and were non-smokers who required approximately 5 puffs of inhaled β-agonist per day on an “as-needed” basis. The patients had a mean baseline percent of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) of 66% (approximate range, 40 to 90%). The co-primary endpoints in these trials were FEV₁ and daytime asthma symptoms. In both studies after 12 weeks, a random subset of patients receiving montelukast sodium was switched to placebo for an additional 3 weeks of double-blind treatment to evaluate for possible rebound effects.

The results of the U.S. trial on the primary endpoint, morning FEV₁, expressed as mean percent change from baseline averaged over the 12-week treatment period, are shown in FIGURE 1. Compared with placebo, treatment with one montelukast sodium 10-mg tablet daily in the evening resulted in a statistically significant increase in FEV₁ percent change from baseline (13.0%-change in the group treated with montelukast sodium vs. 4.2%-change in the placebo group, p<0.001); the change from baseline in FEV₁ for montelukast sodium was 0.32 liters compared with 0.10 liters for placebo, corresponding to a between-group difference of 0.22 liters (p<0.001, 95% CI 0.17 liters, 0.27 liters). The results of the Multinational trial on FEV₁ were similar.

The effect of montelukast sodium on other primary and secondary endpoints, represented by the Multinational study is shown in TABLE 2. Results on these endpoints were similar in the US study.

Both studies evaluated the effect of montelukast sodium on secondary outcomes, including asthma attack (utilization of health-care resources such as an unscheduled visit to a doctor's office, emergency room, or hospital; or treatment with oral, intravenous, or intramuscular corticosteroid), and use of oral corticosteroids for asthma rescue. In the Multinational study, significantly fewer patients (15.6% of patients) on montelukast sodium experienced asthma attacks compared with patients on placebo (27.3%, p < 0.001). In the US study, 7.8% of patients on montelukast sodium and 10.3% of patients on placebo experienced asthma attacks, but the difference between the two treatment groups was not significant (p = 0.334). In the Multinational study, significantly fewer patients (14.8% of patients) on montelukast sodium were prescribed oral corticosteroids for asthma rescue compared with patients on placebo (25.7%, p < 0.001). In the US study, 6.9% of patients on montelukast sodium and 9.9% of patients on placebo were prescribed oral corticosteroids for asthma rescue, but the difference between the two treatment groups was not significant (p = 0.196).

Onset of Action and Maintenance of Effects

In each placebo-controlled trial in adults, the treatment effect of montelukast sodium, measured by daily diary card parameters, including symptom scores, “as-needed” β-agonist use, and PEFR measurements, was achieved after the first dose and was maintained throughout the dosing interval (24 hours). No significant change in treatment effect was observed during continuous once-daily evening administration in non-placebo-controlled extension trials for up to one year. Withdrawal of montelukast sodium in asthmatic patients after 12 weeks of continuous use did not cause rebound worsening of asthma.

Effects in Patients on Concomitant Inhaled Corticosteroids

Separate trials in adults evaluated the ability of montelukast sodium to add to the clinical effect of inhaled corticosteroids and to allow inhaled corticosteroid tapering when used concomitantly.

One randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial (n=226) enrolled adults with stable asthma with a mean FEV₁ of approximately 84% of predicted who were previously maintained on various inhaled corticosteroids (delivered by metered-dose aerosol or dry powder inhalers). The median age was 41.5 years (range 16 to 70); 52.2% were females and 47.8% were males. The ethnic/racial distribution in this study was 92.0% Caucasian, 3.5% Black, 2.2% Hispanic, and 2.2% Asian. The types of inhaled corticosteroids and their mean baseline requirements included beclomethasone dipropionate (mean dose, 1203 mcg/day), triamcinolone acetonide (mean dose, 2004 mcg/day), flunisolide (mean dose, 1971 mcg/day), fluticasone propionate (mean dose, 1083 mcg/day), or budesonide (mean dose, 1192 mcg/day). Some of these inhaled corticosteroids were non-U.S.-approved formulations, and doses expressed may not be ex-actuator. The pre-study inhaled corticosteroid requirements were reduced by approximately 37% during a 5- to 7-week placebo run-in period designed to titrate patients toward their lowest effective inhaled corticosteroid dose. Treatment with montelukast sodium resulted in a further 47% reduction in mean inhaled corticosteroid dose compared with a mean reduction of 30% in the placebo group over the 12-week active treatment period (p≤0.05). It is not known whether the results of this study can be generalized to patients with asthma who require higher doses of inhaled corticosteroids or systemic corticosteroids.

In another randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial (n=642) in a similar population of adult patients previously maintained, but not adequately controlled, on inhaled corticosteroids (beclomethasone 336 mcg/day), the addition of montelukast sodium to beclomethasone resulted in statistically significant improvements in FEV₁ compared with those patients who were continued on beclomethasone alone or those patients who were withdrawn from beclomethasone and treated with montelukast or placebo alone over the last 10 weeks of the 16-week, blinded treatment period. Patients who were randomized to treatment arms containing beclomethasone had statistically significantly better asthma control than those patients randomized to montelukast sodium alone or placebo alone as indicated by FEV₁, daytime asthma symptoms, PEFR, nocturnal awakenings due to asthma, and “as-needed” β-agonist requirements.

In adult patients with asthma with documented aspirin sensitivity, nearly all of whom were receiving concomitant inhaled and/or oral corticosteroids, a 4-week, randomized, parallel-group trial (n=80) demonstrated that montelukast sodium, compared with placebo, resulted in significant improvement in parameters of asthma control. The magnitude of effect of montelukast sodium in aspirin-sensitive patients was similar to the effect observed in the general population of asthma patients studied. The effect of montelukast sodium on the bronchoconstrictor response to aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in aspirin-sensitive asthmatic patients has not been evaluated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] .

14.2 Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB)

Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction - (Adults and Adolescents 15 years of age and older)

The efficacy of montelukast sodium, 10 mg, when given as a single dose 2 hours before exercise for the prevention of EIB was investigated in three (U.S. and Multinational), randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover studies that included a total of 160 adult and adolescent patients 15 years of age and older with EIB. Exercise challenge testing was conducted at 2 hours, 8.5 or 12 hours, and 24 hours following administration of a single dose of study drug (montelukast sodium 10 mg or placebo). The primary endpoint was the mean maximum percent fall in FEV₁ following the 2 hours post-dose exercise challenge in all three studies (Study A, Study B, and Study C). In Study A, a single dose of montelukast sodium 10 mg demonstrated a statistically significant protective benefit against EIB when taken 2 hours prior to exercise. Some patients were protected from EIB at 8.5 and 24 hours after administration; however, some patients were not. The results for the mean maximum percent fall at each timepoint in Study A are shown in TABLE 3 and are representative of the results from the other two studies.

Pediatric use information for patients ages 6 to 14 years of age for acute prevention of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is approved for Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp’s montelukast tablet products. However, due to Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information.

The efficacy of montelukast sodium for prevention of EIB in patients below 6 years of age has not been established.

Daily administration of montelukast sodium for the chronic treatment of asthma has not been established to prevent acute episodes of EIB.

In a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, parallel group study of 110 adult and adolescent asthmatics 15 years of age and older, with a mean baseline FEV₁ percent of predicted of 83% and with documented exercise-induced exacerbation of asthma, treatment with montelukast sodium, 10 mg, once daily in the evening, resulted in a statistically significant reduction in mean maximal percent fall in FEV₁ and mean time to recovery to within 5% of the pre-exercise FEV₁. Exercise challenge was conducted at the end of the dosing interval (i.e., 20 to 24 hours after the preceding dose). This effect was maintained throughout the 12-week treatment period indicating that tolerance did not occur. Montelukast sodium did not, however, prevent clinically significant deterioration in maximal percent fall in FEV₁ after exercise (i.e., ≥20% decrease from pre-exercise baseline) in 52% of patients studied. In a separate crossover study in adults, a similar effect was observed after two once-daily 10-mg doses of montelukast sodium.

14.3 Allergic Rhinitis (Seasonal and Perennial)

Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

The efficacy of montelukast sodium tablets for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis was investigated in 5 similarly designed, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo- and active-controlled (loratadine) trials conducted in North America. The 5 trials enrolled a total of 5029 patients, of whom 1799 were treated with montelukast sodium tablets. Patients were 15 to 82 years of age with a history of seasonal allergic rhinitis, a positive skin test to at least one relevant seasonal allergen, and active symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis at study entry.

The period of randomized treatment was 2 weeks in 4 trials and 4 weeks in one trial. The primary outcome variable was mean change from baseline in daytime nasal symptoms score (the average of individual scores of nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, nasal itching, sneezing) as assessed by patients on a 0-3 categorical scale.

Four of the five trials showed a significant reduction in daytime nasal symptoms scores with montelukast sodium 10-mg tablets compared with placebo. The results of one trial are shown below. The median age in this trial was 35.0 years (range 15 to 81); 65.4% were females and 34.6% were males. The ethnic/racial distribution in this study was 83.1% Caucasian, 6.4% other origins, 5.8% Black, and 4.8% Hispanic. The mean changes from baseline in daytime nasal symptoms score in the treatment groups that received montelukast sodium tablets, loratadine, and placebo are shown in TABLE 4. The remaining three trials that demonstrated efficacy showed similar results.

TABLE 4: Effects of Montelukast Sodium on Daytime Nasal Symptoms ScoreAverage of individual scores of nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, nasal itching, sneezing as assessed by patients on a 0-3 categorical scale. in a Placebo- and Active-controlled Trial in Patients with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (ANCOVA Model)

Treatment Group (N)	Baseline Mean Score	Mean Change from Baseline	Difference Between Treatment and Placebo (95% CI) Least-Squares Mean
Montelukast Sodium 10 mg (344)	2.09	-0.39	-0.13Statistically different from placebo (p≤0.001). (-0.21, -0.06)
Placebo (351)	2.10	-0.26	N.A.
Active ControlThe study was not designed for statistical comparison between montelukast sodium and the active control (loratadine). (Loratadine 10 mg) (599)	2.06	-0.46	-0.24Statistically different from placebo (p≤0.001). (-0.31, -0.17)

Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

The efficacy of montelukast sodium tablets for the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis was investigated in 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies conducted in North America and Europe. The two studies enrolled a total of 3357 patients, of whom 1632 received montelukast sodium 10-mg tablets. Patients 15 to 82 years of age with perennial allergic rhinitis as confirmed by history and a positive skin test to at least one relevant perennial allergen (dust mites, animal dander, and/or mold spores), who had active symptoms at the time of study entry, were enrolled.

In the study in which efficacy was demonstrated, the median age was 35 years (range 15 to 81); 64.1% were females and 35.9% were males. The ethnic/racial distribution in this study was 83.2% Caucasian, 8.1% Black, 5.4% Hispanic, 2.3% Asian, and 1.0% other origins. Montelukast sodium 10-mg tablets once daily was shown to significantly reduce symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis over a 6-week treatment period (TABLE 5); in this study the primary outcome variable was mean change from baseline in daytime nasal symptoms score (the average of individual scores of nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and sneezing).

TABLE 5: Effects of Montelukast Sodium on Daytime Nasal Symptoms ScoreAverage of individual scores of nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing as assessed by patients on a 0-3 categorical scale. in a Placebo-controlled Trial in Patients with Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (ANCOVA Model)

Treatment Group (N)	Baseline Mean Score	Mean Change from Baseline	Difference Between Treatment and Placebo (95% CI) Least-Squares Mean
Montelukast Sodium 10 mg (1000)	2.09	-0.42	-0.08Statistically different from placebo (p≤0.001). (-0.12, -0.04)
Placebo (980)	2.10	-0.35	N.A.

The other 6-week study evaluated montelukast sodium 10 mg (n=626), placebo (n=609), and an active-control (cetirizine 10 mg; n=120). The primary analysis compared the mean change from baseline in daytime nasal symptoms score for montelukast sodium vs. placebo over the first 4 weeks of treatment; the study was not designed for statistical comparison between montelukast sodium and the active-control. The primary outcome variable included nasal itching in addition to nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and sneezing. The estimated difference between montelukast sodium and placebo was -0.04 with a 95% CI of (-0.09, 0.01). The estimated difference between the active-control and placebo was -0.10 with a 95% CI of (-0.19, -0.01).

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

Montelukast sodium tablets, 10 mg (10.4 mg montelukast sodium equivalent to 10 mg montelukast), are round, beige colored, biconvex film coated tablets engraved with G on one side and 392 on other side. They are supplied as follows:

Bottles of 30 tablets NDC 68462-392-30

Bottles of 90 tablets NDC 68462-392-90

Bottles of 500 tablets NDC 68462-392-05

Storage

Store montelukast sodium 10 mg film-coated tablets at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F), excursions permitted to 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from moisture and light. Store in original container. When product container is subdivided, repackage into a well-closed, light-resistant container.

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

See FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information).

Information for Patients

• •Patients should be advised to take montelukast sodium daily as prescribed, even when they are asymptomatic, as well as during periods of worsening asthma, and to contact their physicians if their asthma is not well controlled.
• •Patients should be advised that oral montelukast sodium is not for the treatment of acute asthma attacks. They should have appropriate short-acting inhaled β-agonist medication available to treat asthma exacerbations. Patients who have exacerbations of asthma after exercise should be instructed to have available for rescue a short-acting inhaled β-agonist. Daily administration of montelukast sodium for the chronic treatment of asthma has not been established to prevent acute episodes of EIB.
• •Patients should be advised that, while using montelukast sodium, medical attention should be sought if short-acting inhaled bronchodilators are needed more often than usual, or if more than the maximum number of inhalations of short-acting bronchodilator treatment prescribed for a 24-hour period are needed.
• •Patients receiving montelukast sodium should be instructed not to decrease the dose or stop taking any other anti-asthma medications unless instructed by a physician.
• •Patients should be instructed to notify their physician if neuropsychiatric events occur while using montelukast sodium.
• •Patients with known aspirin sensitivity should be advised to continue avoidance of aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents while taking montelukast sodium.

Manufactured by

Glenmark Generics Ltd.
Colvale-Bardez, Goa 403 513, India

Manufactured for

Glenmark Generics Inc., USA
Mahwah, NJ 07430

Questions? 1 (888)721-7115

www.glenmarkgenerics.com

January 2014

Patient Information

Montelukast Sodium Tablets

Read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with montelukast sodium tablets before you start taking it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This leaflet does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment.

What are montelukast sodium tablets?

• •Montelukast sodium tablets are a prescription medicine that blocks substances in the body called leukotrienes. This may help to improve symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis. Montelukast sodium tablets do not contain a steroid.

Montelukast sodium tablets are used to:

1. Prevent asthma attacks and for the long-term treatment of asthma in adults and adolescents ages 15 years of age and older.

Do not take montelukast sodium tablets if you need relief right away for a sudden asthma attack. If you get an asthma attack, you should follow the instructions your healthcare provider gave you for treating asthma attacks.

2. Prevent exercise-induced asthma in people 15 years of age and older.

3. Help control the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, itching of the nose). Montelukast sodium tablets are used to treat:

• •outdoor allergies that happen part of the year (seasonal allergic rhinitis) in adults and adolescents ages 15 years and older, and
• •indoor allergies that happen all year (perennial allergic rhinitis) in adults and adolescents ages 15 years and older.

Who should not take montelukast sodium tablets?

Do not take montelukast sodium tablets if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of the ingredients in montelukast sodium tablets.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking montelukast sodium tablets?

Before taking montelukast sodium tablets, tell your healthcare provider if you:

• •are allergic to aspirin
• •have any other medical conditions
• •are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, as montelukast sodium may not be right for you.
• •are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. It is not known if montelukast sodium passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby while taking montelukast sodium tablets.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines may affect how montelukast sodium tablets work, or montelukast sodium tablets may affect how your other medicines work.

How should I take montelukast sodium tablets?

For anyone who takes montelukast sodium tablets:

• •Take montelukast sodium tablets exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will tell you how much montelukast sodium tablets to take, and when to take them.
• •Do not stop taking montelukast sodium tablets or change when you take them without talking with your healthcare provider.
• •You can take montelukast sodium tablets with food or without food.
• • If you or your child misses a dose of montelukast sodium tablets, just take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.
• •If you take too much montelukast sodium, call your healthcare provider or a Poison Control Center right away.

For adults and adolescents 15 years of age and older with asthma:

• •Take montelukast sodium tablets 1 time each day, in the evening. Continue to take montelukast sodium tablets every day for as long as your healthcare provider prescribes it, even if you have no asthma symptoms.
• •Tell your healthcare provider right away if your asthma symptoms get worse, or if you need to use your rescue inhaler medicine more often for asthma attacks.
• • Do not take montelukast sodium tablets if you need relief right away from a sudden asthma attack. If you get an asthma attack, you should follow the instructions your healthcare provider gave you for treating asthma attacks.
• •Always have your rescue inhaler medicine with you for asthma attacks.
• •Do not stop taking or lower the dose of your other asthma medicines unless your healthcare provider tells you to.

For patients 15 years of age and older for the prevention of exercise-induced asthma:

• •Take montelukast sodium tablets at least 2 hours before exercise.
• •Always have your rescue inhaler medicine with you for asthma attacks.
• •If you take montelukast sodium tablets every day for chronic asthma or allergic rhinitis, do not take another dose to prevent exercise-induced asthma. Talk to your healthcare provider about your treatment for exercise-induced asthma.
• • Do not take 2 doses of montelukast sodium tablets within 24 hours (1 day).

For adults and adolescents 15 years of age and older with seasonal allergic rhinitis, or for adults and adolescents 15 years of age and older with perennial allergic rhinitis:

• •Take montelukast sodium tablets 1 time each day, at about the same time each day.

What is the dose of montelukast sodium tablets?

The dose of montelukast sodium tablets prescribed for you or your child's condition is based on age:

• •15 years and older: one 10 mg tablet.

What should I avoid while taking montelukast sodium tablets?

If you have asthma and aspirin makes your asthma symptoms worse, continue to avoid taking aspirin or other medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) while taking montelukast sodium tablets.

What are the possible side effects of montelukast sodium tablets?

Montelukast sodium tablets may cause serious side effects.

• • Behavior and mood-related changes. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you or your child have any of these symptoms while taking montelukast sodium tablets:
  • ∘agitation including aggressive behavior or hostility
  • ∘bad or vivid dreams
  • ∘attention problems
  • ∘depression
  • ∘disorientation (confusion)
  • ∘feeling anxious
  • ∘hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there)
  • ∘irritability
  • ∘memory problems
  • ∘restlessness
  • ∘sleep walking
  • ∘suicidal thoughts and actions (including suicide)
  • ∘tremor
  • ∘trouble sleeping
• • Increase in certain white blood cells (eosinophils) and possible inflamed blood vessels throughout the body (systemic vasculitis). Rarely, this can happen in people with asthma who take montelukast sodium. This sometimes happens in people who also take a steroid medicine by mouth that is being stopped or the dose is being lowered.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get one or more of these symptoms:

• •a feeling of pins and needles or numbness of arms or legs
• •a flu-like illness
• •rash
• •severe inflammation (pain and swelling) of the sinuses (sinusitis)

The most common side effects with montelukast sodium include:

• •upper respiratory infection
• •fever
• •headache
• •sore throat
• •cough
• •stomach pain
• •diarrhea
• •earache or ear infection
• •flu
• •runny nose
• •sinus infection

Other side effects with montelukast sodium include:

• •increased bleeding tendency, low blood platelet count
• •allergic reactions [including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat (which may cause trouble breathing or swallowing), hives and itching]
• •dizziness, drowsiness, pins and needles/numbness, seizures (convulsions or fits)
• •palpitations
• •nose bleed, stuffy nose, swelling (inflammation) of the lungs
• •diarrhea, heartburn, indigestion, inflammation of the pancreas, nausea, stomach or intestinal upset, vomiting
• •hepatitis
• •bruising, rash, severe skin reactions (erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) that may occur without warning
• •joint pain, muscle aches and muscle cramps
• •tiredness, swelling

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of montelukast sodium. For more information ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store montelukast sodium tablets?

• •Store montelukast sodium tablets at 20^o to 25^oC (68^o to 77^oF), excursions permitted to 15^o to 30^oC (59^o to 86^oF).
• •Keep montelukast sodium tablets in the container they come in.
• •Keep montelukast sodium tablets in a dry place and away from light.

General Information about the safe and effective use of montelukast sodium tablets

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those mentioned in Patient Information Leaflets. Do not use montelukast sodium tablets for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give montelukast sodium tablets to other people even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. Keep montelukast sodium tablets and all medicines out of the reach of children.

This leaflet summarizes information about montelukast sodium tablets. If you would like more information, talk to your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about montelukast sodium tablets that is written for health professionals. For more information, go to www.glenmarkgenerics.com or call Glenmark Generics Inc., USA at 1 (888)721-7115.

What are the ingredients in montelukast sodium tablets?

Active ingredient: montelukast sodium

Inactive ingredients:

• • 10 mg tablet: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose and magnesium stearate. The film coating consists of: hypromellose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, titanium dioxide, ferric oxide yellow, ferric oxide red and carnauba wax.
•   Pediatric use information for patients ages 6 to 14 years of age for prevention of exercise-induced asthma is approved for Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp’s montelukast tablet products. However, due to Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information.

Manufactured by

Glenmark Generics Ltd.
Colvale-Bardez, Goa 403 513, India

Manufactured for

Glenmark Generics Inc., USA
Mahwah, NJ 07430

Questions? 1 (888)721-7115

www.glenmarkgenerics.com

January 2014

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