You want a straightforward way to order montelukast online without getting burned by sketchy sellers or tripping over pharmacy red tape. Here’s the deal: montelukast is a prescription-only medicine in most countries, so the safe path is through licensed pharmacies or reputable telehealth that can legally prescribe it. I’ll show you how to do that step by step, how to spot fakes, what it should cost, and the safety warnings you should care about.
- TL;DR / Key takeaways
- You usually need a valid prescription to buy montelukast online. No-Rx sites are a red flag.
- Use licensed pharmacies or known telehealth platforms; verify their registration (NZ: Pharmacy Council register; US: NABP/.pharmacy; UK: MHRA/GPhC; AU: AHPRA/TGA).
- Expect generic montelukast (same active ingredient as Singulair) in 10 mg tablets, 5 mg/4 mg chewables, or 4 mg granules.
- Prices vary: generics are affordable; brand Singulair costs more. Shipping times are usually 1-7 days domestically.
- Safety matters: FDA/Medsafe warn about serious mood/behavior changes. For allergic rhinitis, it’s not first choice unless others fail; talk to your clinician.
What you need before you order
Montelukast is prescription-only in New Zealand, Australia, the UK, the EU, and the United States. Most legitimate online pharmacies won’t send it without a script. Some telehealth services can review your symptoms and prescribe it if appropriate.
Common uses:
- Asthma maintenance (helps prevent symptoms but won’t stop an attack).
- Prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm (on clinician advice).
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)-but regulators advise other options first due to safety concerns.
Forms and typical strengths:
- Tablets: 10 mg (adults and teens per your prescriber).
- Chewables: 5 mg (kids 6-14), 4 mg (kids 2-5).
- Granules: 4 mg (younger children; sprinkle as directed).
Essential safety note: In 2020, the U.S. FDA added a Boxed Warning about serious neuropsychiatric side effects (agitation, sleep problems, depression, suicidal thoughts). Medsafe (New Zealand) and other regulators issued similar warnings. For seasonal allergies, many clinicians now consider montelukast only when antihistamines or nasal steroids haven’t helped or aren’t tolerated. If you or your child has any new mood or behavior changes, stop the medicine and seek care urgently.
What to have ready:
- Your valid prescription (paper, e-script, or your doctor’s details for pharmacy verification).
- Medication history (what you’ve tried, side effects, asthma action plan if you have one).
- Allergy list and other meds (to avoid interactions; montelukast has few, but let the prescriber know if you use enzyme inducers like carbamazepine or rifampicin).
- Shipping address and ID if the pharmacy needs to verify age/identity.
Reality check: Montelukast isn’t a rescue inhaler, isn’t a steroid, and won’t fix an acute asthma attack. Keep your reliever inhaler handy and follow your asthma action plan.
Where to buy online (and how to verify it’s legit)
You’ve got three safe routes:
- Use a licensed online pharmacy and upload your prescription.
- Book a reputable telehealth consult to get a prescription, then fill it online or at a local pharmacy.
- If you already have repeats, ask your GP to send an e-script directly to a trusted online pharmacy.
How to verify credibility by country:
- New Zealand: Check the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand online register for the pharmacy and pharmacist names. Medsafe’s website lists safety notices and guidance.
- Australia: Look for AHPRA registration and TGA compliance; many legitimate pharmacies show the Australian Digital Health Agency e-script badge.
- United Kingdom: Confirm the green “Registered Pharmacy” logo and GPhC registration; MHRA handles medicine safety.
- United States: Use the NABP “.pharmacy” program or the “Safe.pharmacy” tools. Avoid pharmacies that don’t require a prescription.
Red flags you should bounce from immediately:
- No prescription required for prescription medicines.
- No physical address or pharmacist contact details, or claims of “worldwide warehouse” with no regulator markers.
- Prices far below market, pressure tactics (“only 1 left”), or pushy bundle deals.
- Won’t accept valid payment methods you can dispute (they push wire transfers or crypto).
Telehealth: what good looks like:
- Real clinicians with names and registrations you can look up.
- Clear consent, privacy policy, and follow-up plan.
- They ask about your asthma/allergy history, prior treatments, and mental health history before prescribing.
Personal import basics: Many countries allow a small personal supply (often up to 3 months) of prescription medicines if you have a valid prescription and declare it at the border. Rules vary-check your national regulator or customs site before ordering internationally.
Step-by-step: How to place a safe order today
Pick the path that fits you.
If you already have a valid prescription:
- Choose a licensed online pharmacy (verify via your national register).
- Create an account and submit your prescription (upload e-script, photo of paper script, or have your prescriber send it direct).
- Select strength/quantity that matches your script (for example, 10 mg tablets, 30 count).
- Confirm the brand/generic. Generic is usually fine; ask if “brand medically necessary” is noted.
- Enter delivery details. Standard domestic shipping in most countries takes 1-5 business days.
- At checkout, watch for drug-interaction and counseling prompts. Ask questions-good pharmacies offer pharmacist chat.
- Keep the order confirmation and the batch/lot number when the package arrives.
If you need a prescription:
- Book telehealth with a regulated service. Be ready to share your symptoms, prior meds (e.g., antihistamines, inhaled steroids), and any mood/behavior history.
- If montelukast is appropriate, the clinician will issue an e-script.
- Fill it via the telehealth partner pharmacy or choose your own licensed pharmacy online.
- Set up repeats if clinically appropriate so you’re not scrambling later.
Refills and timing tips:
- Order when you have 7-10 days of tablets left. That window covers shipping delays.
- Traveling? Carry at least a 2-week buffer in your hand luggage, plus your prescription copy. Keep the original packaging for customs.
- Delivery hiccup? Contact the pharmacy first, then your payment provider if needed.
Decision help (quick flow):
- Urgent breathing issues right now? This isn’t the right medicine for an acute attack-use your reliever and seek care.
- Seasonal allergies only and you haven’t tried nasal steroids or non-sedating antihistamines? Ask a clinician if those should be tried first.
- History of depression or nightmares? Discuss risk vs benefit carefully before starting.
Prices, strengths, and what to expect
Montelukast is widely available as a generic, which keeps costs down. Brand Singulair is still around in some markets and costs more.
Region | Legal status | Common strengths | Typical 30-day price (generic) | Verification to look for | Usual domestic shipping time |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
New Zealand | Prescription only | 10 mg tabs; 5 mg / 4 mg chewables; 4 mg granules | Low out-of-pocket with subsidy; private prices vary-often modest for generic | Pharmacy Council register; Medsafe safety info | 1-3 business days |
Australia | Prescription only | Same as NZ | Generic typically affordable; brand higher | AHPRA registration; TGA compliance | 1-4 business days |
United Kingdom | Prescription only | Same as NZ | NHS charge if eligible; private online prices usually low for generic | GPhC register; MHRA logo | 1-3 business days |
United States | Prescription only | Same as NZ | Generic often inexpensive with coupons; retail varies by pharmacy | NABP .pharmacy / Safe.pharmacy | 2-7 business days |
Notes on pricing:
- Generics (montelukast) and brand (Singulair) have the same active ingredient and clinical effect. Most people do fine on generic.
- Prices change with supply and location. If the price is unbelievably low, that’s a red flag.
- Insurance or national subsidy programs can reduce your out-of-pocket cost. Check your plan or national health site.
What will be on the box:
- Active ingredient: montelukast (as montelukast sodium).
- Strength (e.g., 10 mg) and form (tablet/chewable/granules).
- Lot/batch number and expiry date. Keep these for your records.

Risks, side effects, and safe use (don’t skip this)
Serious warnings: Regulators including the FDA and Medsafe highlight the risk of neuropsychiatric events-agitation, vivid dreams, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. These can occur in adults and children, sometimes after starting or increasing the dose, but also after months on treatment. Stop the medicine and seek urgent medical advice if any of these show up.
Who should discuss extra carefully before starting:
- Anyone with a history of depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, or prior neuropsychiatric reactions to medicines.
- Parents of children with behavioral concerns or sleep problems.
- People using montelukast mainly for hay fever who haven’t tried other treatments.
Common side effects:
- Headache, upper respiratory symptoms, stomach upset.
- Sleep changes or vivid dreams.
- Mild increases in liver enzymes (rare-your clinician may check if you have liver disease).
How to take it:
- Usually once daily, often in the evening, with or without food. Take it the same time daily.
- Chewables are for kids; granules can be sprinkled as directed. Don’t split granule sachets.
- Missed dose? Skip and take the next dose at the usual time. Don’t double up.
Drug interactions are uncommon but tell your prescriber about everything you take, including over-the-counter and herbal products. Certain enzyme inducers (like rifampicin) can reduce montelukast levels.
Not for emergencies: Montelukast won’t open your airways during an asthma attack. Keep your reliever inhaler ready and know your action plan.
What regulators say (in plain words):
- FDA (US) added a Boxed Warning in 2020 about serious behavior/mood-related changes and advises against using it for mild allergy symptoms unless other options don’t work.
- Medsafe (NZ), MHRA (UK), and TGA (AU) have echoed similar warnings and ask clinicians to discuss risks and watch for symptoms.
Checklists, pro tips, and a simple plan
Quick checklist before you click “Buy”:
- Do I have a valid prescription, or a plan to get one via reputable telehealth?
- Did I verify the pharmacy’s registration with the national regulator?
- Does the dose and form match my prescription?
- Is the price reasonable for a generic?
- Do I understand the warning signs to watch for, and who to call if they appear?
Smart buying tips:
- Save time by asking your GP to send an e-script directly to your preferred online pharmacy.
- Set a refill reminder on your phone for 20 days after you start a 30-day supply.
- If you’ve had mood changes on montelukast before, tell your prescriber-there may be better options.
Alternatives to discuss with your clinician (especially for allergic rhinitis):
- Intranasal corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone, mometasone) taken daily during your allergy season.
- Non-sedating antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine).
- For asthma control, inhaled corticosteroids remain first-line. Montelukast is sometimes added when symptoms persist.
Mini‑FAQ
Can I buy montelukast without a prescription?
No. In most countries it’s prescription-only. Sites that say “no Rx needed” are risky and may be illegal.
Is generic montelukast the same as Singulair?
Yes, same active ingredient and standards for quality and effect. Most people use generic.
How long does shipping take?
Domestic shipping is typically 1-5 business days. International orders face customs checks and can take longer.
Can kids take it?
Yes, at pediatric doses and forms (4 mg granules or chewables for younger kids; 5 mg chewables for older kids) if prescribed. Parents should watch for mood or behavior changes.
When should I take it?
Usually once daily, often at night. Follow your prescriber’s instructions.
Can I take it with alcohol?
Light alcohol isn’t known to interact, but if you notice mood or sleep changes, avoid alcohol and talk to your clinician.
What if I feel down, anxious, or can’t sleep after starting?
Stop the medicine and seek medical advice right away. That warning is real and applies to adults and kids.
Can I switch between brands?
Usually yes. If you notice new side effects after a brand switch, report them and talk to your pharmacist or prescriber.
Next steps and troubleshooting
If your order was rejected: The pharmacy may need the original prescription, a clearer scan, or confirmation from your prescriber. Ask them exactly what’s missing.
If the pharmacy is out of stock: Ask about splitting the fill (partial now, rest later) or switching to an equivalent generic brand.
If shipping is delayed: Request the tracking number and delivery partner. If you’re down to a few days’ supply, ask your local pharmacy to fill an interim supply using your prescription.
If you had side effects: Stop the medicine and contact your clinician. Report significant side effects to your national regulator (e.g., Medsafe in NZ, FDA MedWatch in the US, MHRA Yellow Card in the UK, TGA in Australia).
If you need to move pharmacies: Ask the new pharmacy to request a transfer, or have your prescriber issue a new e-script. Keep your medication list updated.
Quick plan for today:
- Decide: refill with your current script, or book telehealth to get one.
- Verify a licensed online pharmacy using your national register.
- Order a 30- or 90-day supply, set a refill reminder, and save the lot number when it arrives.
- Watch for mood or sleep changes, and keep your reliever inhaler on hand if you have asthma.
Sourcing montelukast online isn’t hard when you stick to licensed channels, use a valid prescription, and keep an eye on safety. Do that, and you’ll get the medicine you need-without the stress.