Montelukast in Australia – Quick Guide 2025

Thinking about Montelukast for your asthma or hay fever? You’re not alone. This tablet is one of the most common medicines used to keep breathing easy down under. Below you’ll find the basics on what it does, how much to take, and the safest ways to get it without any hassle.

What Montelukast Is and Who Needs It

Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist. In plain English, it blocks chemicals that cause airway swelling and mucus. That means fewer asthma attacks and less sneezing when allergies flare up. Doctors usually prescribe it for:

• Adults and kids with persistent asthma
• People with allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergies)
• Those who can’t tolerate inhalers or need extra control

If you’ve been told you have mild‑to‑moderate asthma that wakes you up at night, Montelukast might be part of your plan.

Dosage Made Simple

In Australia the standard dose is one 10 mg tablet a day for adults and children over 12. Kids aged 6‑12 usually get a 5 mg chewable tablet, while children 2‑5 get a 4 mg dose. Take it the same time every day – most people pick bedtime because it fits best with a routine.

Never double‑up if you miss a dose; just take the next one at the usual time. If you’re unsure about the right strength, ask your pharmacist – they’ll check your prescription and age.

How to Get Montelukast Legally

In Australia Montelukast is prescription‑only, listed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). You can get it via a regular doctor visit, a telehealth appointment, or an e‑prescription from a registered GP. Once you have a script, you have three safe routes:

1. Local pharmacy: Walk‑in or have the script emailed. Pharmacists will verify the prescription and give you the medicine on the spot.
2. Verified online pharmacy: Look for sites that display a valid Australian Pharmacy Licence Number (APLN) and are members of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. These pharmacies will ask for a copy of your prescription and ship the meds to your door.
3. PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme): If your doctor registers the prescription on the PBS, you’ll pay the subsidised price (usually under $5) instead of the full retail cost.

Avoid any site that offers “no prescription needed” or asks for payment before confirming your script – those are red flags for counterfeit drugs.

Safety Tips & Common Side Effects

Most people tolerate Montelukast well, but be on the lookout for:

• Headache
• Upset stomach or nausea
• Sleep disturbances
• Rare mood changes (agitation, depression)

If you notice any severe rash, breathing trouble, or sudden mood swings, call your doctor right away. Children under 2 should not use Montelukast unless a specialist says it’s absolutely necessary.

Because the drug stays in your system for a while, don’t stop it suddenly without checking with your GP. They might taper the dose to avoid rebound symptoms.

Price, Shipping & What to Check

Retail price for a 30‑day supply ranges from $25 to $45, depending on the pharmacy. PBS‑covered scripts bring it down to a few dollars, so always ask your doctor to register it. When ordering online, confirm the pharmacy’s APLN, read customer reviews, and make sure they use tracked shipping. A legitimate provider will never ask for cash transfers or personal bank details.

Keep a copy of your prescription and the pharmacy receipt – you’ll need them if you ever dispute a charge or need a refill.

Bottom line: Montelukast is a handy tool for asthma and allergy control, but it works best when you follow a proper prescription, pick a reputable pharmacy, and stay aware of side effects. Got more questions? Talk to your GP or pharmacist – they’re the best source for a plan that fits your health needs.