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Medical Author:

George Schiffman, MD, FCCP

George Schiffman, MD, FCCP

Dr. Schiffman received his B.S. degree with High Honors in biology from Hobart College in 1976. He then moved to Chicago where he studied biochemistry at the University of Illinois, Chicago Circle. He attended Rush Medical College where he received his M.D. degree in 1982 and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He completed his Internal Medicine internship and residency at the University of California, Irvine.

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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.

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Leukotriene Inhibitors

Montelukast (Singulair), zafirlukast (Accolate), and zileuton (Zyflo) are used to control asthma symptoms. They are often used in addition to inhaled corticosteroids to avoid the use of oral corticosteroid.

How leukotrienes work

Leukotrienes are powerful chemical substances produced by the body. They promote the inflammatory response caused by exposure to allergens. Leukotriene inhibitors block the action or production of these chemicals, thereby reducing inflammation.

Who should not use these medications

• Individuals who are allergic to leukotriene inhibitors should not take these drugs.



• Individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) should not take the chewable tablets that contain aspartame because this artificial sweetener contains phenylalanine

Use

• Leukotrienes are available with a prescription as tablets, chewable tablets, and oral granules.



• Granules may be taken directly in the mouth, or they may be mixed in soft foods like pudding or applesauce.



• The drug is administered as a once-daily dose.

Drug or food interactions

No drug or food interactions have been reported.

Side effects

Leukotrienes are typically well tolerated, and side effects are similar to those of patients taking a placebo (sugar pill). Reports of headache, earache, sore throat, and respiratory infections have been noted.