Leukotriene modifiers : Montelukast , Zafirlukast , Zileuton ( drugs to treat asthma)
Pharmacological action:
Zileuton differs from that of Zafirlukast and montelukast .
- Zileuton:
works by inhibiting 5-lipoxygenas important in the manufacture of LTB4, LTD4, LTC4, which are considered as carriers of histamine from histamine factories to cells to cause an inflammatory response and work to attract these cells from mast cells and esinophils .
- Zafirlukast and Montelukast:
acts as an antagonist for leukotrienes receptors, as these receptors for histamine and inflammation triggers mainly lead to bronchoconstriction, promoting mucus removal and constriction of blood vessels in the lung ...
Uses:
- It is effectively used as cortisone, for example, before exercise to prevent shortness of breath. It is used as a second line in place of corticosteroids.
- It is not used without duplicating medications because it is not considered a treatment for asthma, but rather a relief of symptoms such as bronchospasm.
- It is not used in emergency situations because it is slow as onset of action and does not cause a strong shock in the body, so it will have fewer side effects. This is considered an advantage because it has a slow start. So it is replaced in emergency with cortisone.
Side effects:
- It is given on an empty stomach to prevent the absorption of the drug from being affected, as it is affected by food, which leads to dyspepsia.
- A headache because the brain is getting signals that something is wrong .
Precautions:
- You should beware of high liver enzymes, and monitor and check them continuously for three or five times. You should not continue taking doses of this family ... Leukotrienes modifiers