Montelukast in childhood asthma: what is the evidence for its use?

Abstract

Asthma is a complex process involving extensive infiltration of the airway mucosa and lumen by activated inflammatory cells and release of mediators that result in airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction. Leukotrienes are mediators believed to play a major role in this process. At present, inhaled corticosteroids are the cornerstone of asthma management. However, asthma control may remain suboptimal and there is well-documented concern regarding adverse events with the use of inhaled corticosteroids in children. Leukotriene receptor antagonists, such as montelukast, provide a safe and effective treatment option with ease of administration, particularly in preschool children and as add-on therapy in patients with difficult-to-control asthma.

Keywords::

• asthma
• childhood
• leukotrienes
• montelukast
• preschool

Financial & competing interests disclosure

R Andrew McIvor has received honoraria for providing lectures and attending advisory boards in asthma management for AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Novartis and Boehringer Ingelheim. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Notes

CysLT: Cysteinal leukotriene; LTRA: Leukotriene receptor antagonist.