Asthma treatments: Category of leukotriene medications, their potential adverse effects, and additional details
In the management of asthma, two distinct classes of medications known as leukotriene modifiers play a significant role. These are leukotriene receptor blockers and leukotriene synthesis blockers, each with its unique mechanism of action.
Leukotriene receptor blockers, such as montelukast and zafirlukast, work by blocking the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (cysLT1 receptor). This prevents leukotrienes from binding to their receptors, thereby inhibiting leukotriene-mediated effects like airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus production.
On the other hand, leukotriene synthesis blockers, like zileuton, inhibit the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), which is responsible for leukotriene production from arachidonic acid. This reduces the overall synthesis of leukotrienes.
In clinical practice, receptor blockers like montelukast are widely used as adjuncts to inhaled corticosteroids for controlling persistent asthma symptoms, improving lung function, and reducing asthma exacerbations. They specifically act on cysLT1 receptors and have shown effectiveness in reducing cough hypersensitivity mediated by leukotrienes.
Synthesis blockers like zileuton lower leukotriene levels systemically, potentially having a broader effect because they block all 5-LOX mediated leukotrienes. However, they are less commonly used and may have more complex side effect profiles.
It is essential to note that both leukotriene receptor blockers and synthesis blockers can help reduce leukotriene-driven inflammation and bronchoconstriction but at different points in the leukotriene pathway.
Leukotriene modifiers, including montelukast, zafirlukast, and zileuton, can help treat asthma attacks. However, they are not quick-acting and are not used to treat acute asthma symptoms.
In addition, the specific side effects for each type of leukotriene modifier vary. For instance, zileuton is not suitable for people with acute liver disease or an allergy to it. Montelukast is generally safe for children from 12 months old, while zafirlukast is not suitable for children under five years old.
People with phenylketonuria cannot take chewable montelukast tablets, and those allergic to specific active or inactive ingredients in leukotriene modifier forms should not take these drugs.
Doctors may have an action plan for people or parents of children with asthma, which may include the prescription of these medications. It is crucial to follow the prescribed dosage, as it varies based on age and brand name.
In conclusion, leukotriene modifiers play a vital role in managing asthma symptoms by reducing inflammation, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness. By understanding the differences between leukotriene receptor blockers and synthesis blockers, patients and their healthcare providers can make informed decisions about treatment options.
- Pfizer manufactures leukotriene receptor blockers like montelukast and zafirlukast.
- The cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (cysLT1 receptor) is blocked by leukotriene receptor blockers.
- Leukotrienes cannot bind to their receptors when cysLT1 receptors are blocked, inhibiting leukotriene-mediated effects.
- Airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus production are reduced by leukotriene receptor blockers.
- In clinical practice, montelukast is used alongside inhaled corticosteroids to control persistent asthma symptoms.
- Leukotriene receptor blockers have shown effectiveness in reducing cough hypersensitivity mediated by leukotrienes.
- Zileuton, a synthesis blocker, inhibits the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX).
- Zileuton reduces the overall synthesis of leukotrienes, potentially having a broader effect.
- Synthesis blockers like zileuton may have more complex side effect profiles compared to receptor blockers.
- Leukotriene modifiers can help treat asthma attacks, but they are not quick-acting and are not used to treat acute asthma symptoms.
- People with acute liver disease or an allergy to zileuton should not take it.
- Montelukast is generally safe for children from 12 months old, while zafirlukast is not suitable for children under five years old.
- People with phenylketonuria cannot take chewable montelukast tablets.
- Those allergic to specific active or inactive ingredients in leukotriene modifier forms should not take these drugs.
- Doctors may prescribe leukotriene modifiers as part of an action plan for people or parents of children with asthma.
- The prescribed dosage of leukotriene modifiers varies based on age and brand name.
- Leukotriene modifiers help manage asthma symptoms by reducing inflammation, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness.
- By understanding the differences between leukotriene receptor blockers and synthesis blockers, patients and their healthcare providers can make informed decisions about treatment options for chronic diseases like asthma, cardiovascular health, mental health, mens' health, women's health, parenting, weight management, skin care, eye health, hearing, nutrition, aging, autoimmune disorders, cancer, digestive health, respiratory conditions, and neurological disorders.
