II. Mechanism
- Leukotriene Antagonists attenuate bronchoconstriction and inflammation
- Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists (competitive inhibitor at D4 and E4 receptors)
- Leukotriene Synthesis Inhibitor (inhibits 5-lipoxygenase)
III. Indication: Adjunctive in Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis
IV. Dosing: Zafirlukast (Accolate)
- Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist
- Avoid at mealtime
- Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals
- Dose
- Age >11 years old: 20 mg orally twice daily
- Child 7-11 years old: 10 mg orally twice daily
V. Dosing: Montelukast (Singulair)
- Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist
- Dose
- Adults: 10 mg orally at bedtime
- Child age 6 to 14 years: 5 mg orally at bedtime
- Child age 2-5 years: 4 mg orally at bedtime
VI. Dosing: Zileuton (Zyflo)
- Leukotriene Synthesis Inhibitor
- Indicated only in age 12 and over, and then only as adjunct in Severe Asthma
- Dosing
- Dose: 1200 mg orally two times daily
- Risks
- Greater adverse effects than other Leukotriene Modifiers
- Other agents are preferred (Zafirlukast, Montelukast)
- Hepatotoxicity in 5% (Monitor liver enzymes q3 months)
- Greater adverse effects than other Leukotriene Modifiers
VII. Efficacy
- Modestly effective for maintenance management
- Inhaled Steroids are preferred over Leukotriene agents
- Used as adjunctive therapy in Asthma
- Benefit may be limited to patients with the 5-LO and LTC4 polymorphisms
VIII. Adverse Effects
- Montelukast is associated with increased risk of Major Depression and Suicide
- Neurologic
- Agitation, irritability or aggression
- Anxiousness or restlessness
- Depressed mood
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Hallucinations
- Tremor
- Hepatotoxicity
- Zileuton (Zyflo)
- May occur with Zafirlukast (Accolate)
-
Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss Syndrome, EGPA)
- Associated with stopping Corticosteroids abruptly while starting Leukotriene Antagonists (Zafirlukast, Montelukast)
- Presenting findings
- Systemic Eosinophilic Vasculitis
- Vasculitic rash
- Pulmonary and cardiac conditions
IX. References
- (2020) Drugs for Asthma, Med Lett Drug Ther 62: 193-200
- (1996) Med Lett Drugs Ther 38:111-2 [PubMed]
- (2000) Med Lett Drugs Ther 42:22-3 [PubMed]
- Scow (2007) Am Fam Physician 75:65-70 [PubMed]
- Wilson (2001) Chest 119:2021-6 [PubMed]