Leukotriene Antagonists

What are these medicines used for?

Leukotriene antagonists are medicines used to prevent asthma symptoms. It's also called an asthma controller medicine, because by taking it regularly every day, it helps to control your child’s symptoms. Your child will take these medicines every day, even if your child is not having symptoms. They do not provide quick relief of wheezing in acute asthma attacks. For acute asthma attacks, your child will need a different type of medicine called a reliever.

Leukotriene antagonists may also help control a stuffy or runny nose caused by an allergy.

Your child's asthma symptoms are caused by two different problems in the airways.

• One problem is that the muscles in the airways tighten up, which causes the feeling of chest tightness and wheezing.
• The other problem is swelling, irritation and too much mucus in the airways.

Your child's asthma symptoms often start after exposure to a trigger. Asthma triggers can include pollen, animals, mold, colds, exercise, cold air, and air pollutants. It is important for you and your child to know what things trigger your child's asthma. Help your child avoid the things that trigger his asthma. Your child should keep his reliever medicine with him at all times in case he has an asthma attack.

How do they work?

Leukotrienes are chemicals produced by the body that cause the airways to tighten up. They also cause irritation and swelling of the lining of the airway. Leukotriene antagonists block the effects of the leukotrienes. By lessening the irritation, swelling, and muscle tightness, your child will have fewer symptoms and be able to breathe better.

Leukotriene antagonists are available as pills, chewable tablets, extended-release tablets, or granules that can be mixed with food.

What else do I need to know about this medicine?

• Follow the directions that come with your child’s medicine, including information about food or alcohol. Make sure you know how and when your child needs to take the medicine. Your child should not take more or less than he or she is supposed to take.
• Try to get all of your child’s prescriptions filled at the same place. Your pharmacist can help make sure that all of your child’s medicines are safe to take together.
• Keep a list of your child’s medicines with you. List all of the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that your child takes. Tell all healthcare providers who treat your child about all of the products your child takes.
• Many medicines have side effects. A side effect is a symptom or problem that is caused by the medicine. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what side effects the medicine may cause, and what you should do if your child has side effects.

If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information. Be sure to keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.