Treatment Options

Leukotrienes are chemicals released from the lungs and other cells during inflammation?usually to help protect the body against attacks by invaders. However, they are often involved in allergic responses, which can start asthma attacks. Leukotrienes activate certain places (receptors) in the lungs. Results are airway blockage and mucus production.

Recently, two types of leukotriene-modifying medications have been developed:

Leukotriene inhibitors (Zyflo) interfere with the production of leukotrienes
Leukotriene antagonists (Accolate and Singulair) block receptors to interrupt the action of leukotrienes

Leukotriene modifiers are not used to treat asthma attacks because their effects must develop over time. In addition, they must be taken regularly to keep enough of them in the body to be effective. They may relieve allergic reactions, which often promote or worsen asthma attacks. Generally, though, they are not as good at preventing asthma attacks as long-acting beta-2 agonists or inhaled corticosteroids. Often, adding a leukotriene modifier to therapy when another asthma drug is no longer controlling asthma adequately allows the dose of the first drug to be reduced. Because they all come in tablet form, leukotriene modifiers are more convenient than inhalers for some patients.

Drugs in the class

Zileuton (Zyflo)

Montelukast (Singulair)

Zafirlukast (Accolate)