10 Common Allergy Triggers Slideshow Pictures Take the Quiz on Allergies Nasal Allergy Relief Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

View Full Profile

Leukotriene Inhibitors

Montelukast (Singulair) is a leukotriene inhibitor approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for relief of seasonal allergy conditions and hay fever in adults and in children older than 2 years of age.

• How leukotrienes work: Leukotrienes are chemical substances that promote the inflammatory response seen during exposure to allergens. By keeping these chemicals from producing swelling, leukotriene inhibitors reduce inflammation.



• Who should not use these medications: The following people should not use leukotriene inhibitors:



• Those who are allergic to leukotriene inhibitors



• Those with phenylketonuria (PKU) because the chewable tablets contain aspartame, a component of phenylalanine



• Use: Leukotriene inhibitors are available (with a prescription) in tablet, chewable tablet, and oral granule forms. Granules may be taken directly in the mouth, or they may be mixed in soft foods like pudding or applesauce. These drugs are taken as a once-daily dose.



• Drug or food interactions: No drug or food interactions have been reported.



• Side effects: Leukotriene inhibitors are usually well tolerated and side effects are similar to those of patients taking a placebo (sugar pill). Headache, earache, sore throat, and respiratory infections have been reported.