Glemolev combines levocetirizine 5 mg, a non-sedating antihistamine, with montelukast 10 mg, a leukotriene receptor antagonist. It is used for allergic rhinitis — persistent sneezing, runny and blocked nose — particularly where an antihistamine alone has not been enough, and in people whose allergies and asthma occur together.
What is Glemolev?
Glemolev is registered in South Africa as Schedule 3:
| Contains | Per tablet |
|---|---|
| Levocetirizine dihydrochloride | 5 mg |
| Montelukast sodium | 10 mg |
The two ingredients block two different arms of the allergic response, which is the reason for combining them.
When you are exposed to something you are allergic to, mast cells release a range of chemical messengers. Two groups matter here:
- Histamine causes sneezing, itching, a runny nose and watery eyes — the immediate symptoms. Levocetirizine blocks histamine H1 receptors. It is a modern, largely non-sedating antihistamine — the active half of cetirizine, so it works at half the dose with a similar effect.
- Leukotrienes cause swelling of the nasal lining, congestion and mucus production, and contribute to airway narrowing in asthma. Montelukast blocks leukotriene receptors.
This explains what the combination adds. An antihistamine alone handles sneezing and itching well but often leaves the blocked, congested nose — because that comes largely from leukotrienes. Adding montelukast addresses the congestion, and also acts on the airways, which is why the combination suits people whose allergic rhinitis and asthma go together.
Neither ingredient is a decongestant, and montelukast is not a rescue treatment — it does nothing for an asthma attack in progress, where a reliever inhaler is required.
What is Glemolev commonly used for?
- Allergic rhinitis, both seasonal (hay fever) and perennial (year-round, often dust mite or pet related).
- Persistent nasal congestion alongside sneezing and itching.
- Allergic rhinitis with asthma, a combination affecting a large proportion of people with either.
- Hives (urticaria), where the antihistamine component helps.
- Allergic conjunctivitis, the itchy watery eyes accompanying hay fever.
- Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, through the montelukast component.
It is a preventive, taken regularly rather than when symptoms appear. Montelukast in particular needs consistent daily use, and its benefit builds over days.
A steroid nasal spray remains the single most effective treatment for persistent allergic rhinitis — more effective than any tablet, including this combination. Tablets are often used alongside a spray, or where a spray is not tolerated. If your symptoms are mainly nasal and you are not using a spray, that is worth asking about.
How Glemolev fits into this medicine category
| Group | Examples | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Non-sedating antihistamines | Levocetirizine, cetirizine, loratadine | Sneezing, itching, runny nose |
| Leukotriene antagonists | Montelukast | Congestion, and airway narrowing in asthma |
| Combination | Glemolev (levocetirizine + montelukast) | Both arms of the allergic response |
| Sedating antihistamines | Chlorphenamine, promethazine | Allergy and itch; marked drowsiness |
| Steroid nasal sprays | Fluticasone, budesonide | Most effective for persistent allergic rhinitis |
| Decongestants | Pseudoephedrine, oxymetazoline | Short-term nasal blockage only |
| Reliever inhalers | Salbutamol | Asthma attacks — this tablet does not replace one |
See the allergy, cold, flu and respiratory medicines hub.
What to check before using Glemolev
Be aware of montelukast’s mental health effects before you start. Regulators worldwide have issued warnings about neuropsychiatric reactions to montelukast, and this is the most important thing to know about the medicine. Reported effects include agitation, aggression, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, vivid dreams and nightmares, and — uncommonly — suicidal thoughts. They can begin soon after starting or after months of use, and affect adults and children.
This is not a reason to avoid a medicine your doctor has judged appropriate. It is a reason to know what to watch for, tell family members, and report changes promptly rather than attributing them to something else. They usually resolve after stopping.
Do not use it to treat an asthma attack. Keep using your reliever inhaler and any preventer inhaler as prescribed.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:
- Have any history of depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions, or a previous reaction to montelukast.
- Have kidney disease. Levocetirizine is cleared by the kidneys, and the dose usually needs reducing — an important check, since this fixed-dose combination cannot be adjusted for one ingredient alone.
- Have liver disease.
- Have asthma, so your overall treatment plan is clear.
- Have phenylketonuria, if the product contains aspartame.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Are giving it to a child. This adult-strength combination is generally not appropriate for young children, who use different strengths.
- Have epilepsy, or difficulty passing urine.
- Take phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampicin, or any sedating medicine or alcohol.
Take it at the same time each day, generally in the evening for the montelukast component.
Possible cautions and when to ask a pharmacist or doctor
Common effects are headache, dry mouth, tiredness, abdominal pain and, in some people, mild drowsiness. Levocetirizine is described as non-sedating, but a minority do feel sleepy — see how it affects you before driving.
Contact your doctor promptly if you or those around you notice:
- Changes in mood or behaviour — agitation, aggression, anxiety, low mood, irritability, restlessness, or unusual dreams and sleep disturbance.
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Seek help the same day.
- Hallucinations, disorientation or memory problems.
- Tremor or a seizure.
These apply particularly to children and adolescents, who may not describe the change themselves — family members are often the first to notice.
Seek medical attention urgently for:
- Worsening breathlessness or wheeze, or needing your reliever inhaler more often.
- Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing.
- A severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- Numbness, tingling, or a rash with worsening breathing and sinus symptoms — a rare reaction involving blood vessel inflammation has been reported with montelukast.
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin.
- Unusual bruising or bleeding.
See a doctor if symptoms are not controlled, if you need it year-round without review, or if asthma symptoms are worsening. Persistent allergic symptoms may also warrant allergy testing, so triggers can be identified and reduced.
Related medicine guides
- Browse Allergy, Cold, Flu & Respiratory Medicines guides
- Read: Austell Cetirizine used for
- Read: Rhineton used for
Frequently asked questions
What is Glemolev tablet used for? Allergic rhinitis — sneezing, itching, runny and blocked nose — and allergic symptoms occurring with asthma. It contains levocetirizine 5 mg and montelukast 10 mg.
What is Glemolev 10/5 mg used for? The numbers are the two ingredients: montelukast 10 mg and levocetirizine 5 mg, used for the conditions above.
Why does it contain two medicines? They block different parts of the allergic response. The antihistamine handles sneezing and itching; montelukast addresses congestion and airway narrowing.
Does it make you drowsy? Levocetirizine is largely non-sedating, but some people do feel sleepy. See how it affects you before driving.
Can it treat an asthma attack? No. It is preventive. Use your reliever inhaler for an attack and seek urgent help if breathing worsens.
Can children take it? This adult-strength combination is generally not suitable for young children. Ask a doctor — separate paediatric strengths exist.
What are the mental health warnings about montelukast? Agitation, anxiety, low mood, sleep disturbance and, uncommonly, suicidal thoughts have been reported. Report any mood or behaviour change to your doctor promptly.
When should I take it? At the same time each day, generally in the evening. It works as a regular preventive, not on demand.