5 Leukotriene Modifiers
Learn how leukotriene modifiers affect airway inflammation, how they are used for asthma control, and which medication-specific safety and administration precautions matter.
How work
Leukotrienes contribute to airway narrowing, swelling, and inflammation. reduce leukotriene effects or production and may be used as controller therapy for asthma.
and block cysteinyl-leukotriene receptors. inhibits , reducing leukotriene production.
Uses and limits in asthma care
These medicines are for long-term asthma control or prevention, not rapid relief of an acute asthma attack. Keep an appropriate prescribed rescue medicine available for sudden symptoms; , , and are not rescue bronchodilators.
do not replace a prescribed inhaled corticosteroid unless a clinician specifically changes the treatment plan.
can prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. It can also treat allergic rhinitis, but for that use it is reserved for people who do not respond to or cannot tolerate alternative treatments.
safety
has a boxed warning for serious , including sleep and behavior changes. Patients and caregivers should watch for new symptoms. If they occur, discontinue and contact a healthcare provider.
and precautions
can cause liver injury. Assess liver enzymes before treatment and monitor them during therapy; the prescribing information gives a more frequent monitoring schedule during the first year. can also increase warfarin levels or effect, so monitor prothrombin time and adjust warfarin as appropriate.
can cause serious liver problems. Report symptoms such as jaundice or right-upper-abdominal pain. Food can reduce its absorption, so take it at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. can increase prothrombin time in patients taking warfarin.