Sleep disorders associated with montelukast in children with respiratory allergy

Rev Med Inst Mex Seguro Soc. 2026 Sep 3;64(5):e7135. doi: 10.5281/zenodo.21462729.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Asthma and allergic rhinitis are the most common respiratory allergic disorders in the Mexican population. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that has been widely used in these conditions. An association has been documented with the onset and modification of multiple sleep disorders, as well as other neuropsychiatric alterations in pediatric population.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between montelukast and sleep disorders in children with respiratory allergies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective and analytical cohort study was conducted. Patients aged 5 to 17 years diagnosed with asthma and allergic rhinitis were recruited from a third-level hospital. They were divided into 2 groups: a montelukast user group and a control group. Patients who withdrew their consent or did not complete the questionnaires were excluded.

RESULTS: 120 children were analyzed, 60 children using montelukast and 60 not using it. The median age was 9 and 10 years, respectively. Five (4.17%) of the children had asthma as their primary diagnosis, 60 (50%) had allergic rhinitis, and 55 (45.83%) had both asthma and allergic rhinitis. Among the children taking montelukast, 46 (73.02%) had sleep disorders, compared to 17 (14.17%) of those not taking montelukast. The association showed an odds ratio (OR) of 8.31, p < 0.0001.

CONCLUSION: Montelukast use was associated with the presence of sleep disorders in the studied population.

PMID:42771719 | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.21462729