Leukotriene receptor antagonist
Montelukast in Canada: prescription, brands, pricing
This page summarises the situation of Montelukast in Canada under Health Canada: prescription status, available brands and generics, pharmacy dispensing, and online options in CAD. Montelukast belongs to the Leukotriene receptor antagonist class.
- Regulator
- Health Canada
- Currency
- CAD
About Montelukast
Montelukast is approved in adults and children for the maintenance treatment of asthma, including exercise-induced bronchospasm, and for the treatment of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis when conventional therapy is insufficient or… Canada classifies medications as Schedule I (prescription), II (pharmacist-only OTC), III (open OTC) or unscheduled, with provincial variation. Provincial drug plans cover prescription costs at varying rates.
Mechanism and action
Montelukast selectively blocks the CysLT1 receptor, which mediates the action of leukotrienes C4, D4 and E4 — proinflammatory mediators released by mast cells and eosinophils in the airway.
Brands and generics in Canada
In Canada, Montelukast is typically dispensed as one internationally recognised brand along with their corresponding authorised generics. Canadian pharmacies (Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, London Drugs and many independents) are licensed provincially, and pharmacists in several provinces can prescribe for minor ailments. Brand-to-generic substitution is decided by the pharmacist under local Health Canada equivalence rules, and the price difference in CAD is usually substantial.
Online and tele-prescribing access
Online pharmacy is regulated provincially in Canada; cross-border imports are restricted. Tele-prescribing platforms have expanded prescription access since 2020. For Montelukast specifically, the legal online options in Canada depend on its Rx-or-OTC classification under Health Canada.
Frequently asked questions
Is Montelukast available in Canada? ▾
Yes — Montelukast and its brands are available in Canada through pharmacies authorised by Health Canada, in various strengths depending on the commercial product. Authorised generics offer a lower-cost alternative with the same active substance.
Do I need a prescription for Montelukast in Canada? ▾
Canada classifies medications as Schedule I (prescription), II (pharmacist-only OTC), III (open OTC) or unscheduled, with provincial variation. Provincial drug plans cover prescription costs at varying rates. The exact status of Montelukast (Rx or OTC) is determined by Health Canada; most active ingredients in the Leukotriene receptor antagonist class require prescription, although there are exceptions by country and formulation.
How much does Montelukast cost in Canada? ▾
The price in CAD depends on the manufacturer (brand vs authorised generic), the strength and the pack size. Generics are typically substantially cheaper than brands and serve as the economic reference for ongoing use.
Products with Montelukast in Canada
Montelukast in other countries
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.