Use of Leukotriene C4 and D4 Antagonists

Leukotriene C4 and D4 Antagonists

Introduction

  • Purpose: Used to treat asthma.

  • Administration: Given orally, usually in the evening.

Key Drug: Montelukast

  • First clinically available leukotriene receptor antagonist.

  • Benefits:

    • Reduces requirement for glucocorticosteroids.

    • Improves symptoms in chronic asthma.

    • Useful for prophylaxis in:

      • Exercise-induced asthma.

      • Antigen-induced asthma.

  • Effectiveness:

    • Particularly effective in aspirin-sensitive asthma.

    • Mechanism: Arachidonic acid diversion from cyclo-oxygenase pathway (blocked by aspirin) to leukotriene formation via 5'-lipoxygenase.