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Montelukast
is a leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) used for the maintenance
treatment of asthma and to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies. It
is usually administered orally. Montelukast blocks the action of
leukotriene D4 on the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor CysLT1 in the
lungs and bronchial tubes by binding to it. This reduces the
bronchoconstriction otherwise caused by the leukotriene, and results in
less inflammation. Because of its method of operation, it is not useful
for the treatment of acute asthma attacks. Again because of its very
specific focus of operation, it does not interact with other allergy
medications such as theophylline.
Montelukast is marketed in United States and many other countries by Merck & Co. with the brand name Singulair.
It is available as oral tablets, chewable tablets, and oral granules.
In India and other countries, it is also marketed under the brand name Montair, produced by Indian company Cipla.
Side effects
Side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances, hypersensitivity
reactions, sleep disorders and increased bleeding tendency, aside from
many other generic adverse reactions. Its use is associated with a
higher incidence of Churg-Strauss syndrome (whether or not this drug is
'unmasking' subclinical Churg-Strauss is as yet uncertain). In March,
2008 the FDA announced that it would investigate whether mood changes
and suicidal thoughts are possible side effects of drugs in this class,
including the popular drug Singulair, which currently lists these side
effects. |
