Leukotriene Antagonists

Leukotriene Antagonists are a group of medications that are used to control asthma symptoms. Leukotriene antagonists inhibit the function of leukotriene. Leukotrienes are a group of chemical mediators that promote inflammatory states. In asthma and allergies, leukotrienes promote bronchoconstriction, so leukotriene antagonists aim to reduce the impact of leukotrienes by either reducing production (zileuton) or inhibiting leukotriene receptors (montelukast and zafirlukast). Leukotrienes are released by both mast cells and eosinophils. Mast cells are important mediators in acute asthma exacerbations and eosinophils are important mediators in the chronic, severe asthma state.

Class Drugs

• Montelukast

• Zafirlukast

• Zileuton

Class Mechanism of Action

Zileuton: Inhibits 5-lipoxygenase in the production of leukotrienes, which mediate smooth muscle constriction, edema, and eosinophilia in airways

Montelukast and Zafirlukast: Leukotriene receptor antagonists, which inhibits actions of leukotrienes in airway

Class Applications

Asthma

Class Adverse Effects

Elevation of liver enzymes

Not useful as rescue treatment

Drug Table

Drug Name	Application	Comments	Image
Montelukast			"Monte Carlo" "Luke"
Zafirlukast			"Zephyrus" "Luke"
Zileuton			"Vile" "Neutron"