Clinical evidence for antileukotriene therapy in the management of allergic rhinitis.
OBJECTIVE
This article presents information summarizing the findings of several clinical trials that evaluated the efficacy and safety of leukotriene receptor antagonists in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. After reading this article, readers will have a greater understanding of these clinical findings and their implications for the management of allergic rhinitis.


METHODS
Relevant and appropriately controlled clinical trials were used. Only literature in the English language was reviewed.


METHODS
Material was taken from academic/scholarly publications, published abstracts, and papers presented at a major congress.


RESULTS
Similar to their contribution to the pathogenesis of asthma, cysteinyl leukotrienes have been found to exert potent inflammatory effects in the upper airways and to play a role in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis. The guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis emphasize the importance of treating the pathophysiologic pathways of the disease. Thus, the use of antileukotriene therapy is a rational therapeutic option for patients with allergic rhinitis. Findings from several randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials confirm the efficacy of leukotriene receptor antagonists in reducing the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and improving quality of life. Clinical experience with these medications has also demonstrated their tolerability and safety.


CONCLUSIONS
Results from recently completed and ongoing clinical trials have expanded the body of evidence for the safety and efficacy of antileukotrienes in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
Meltzer
Eli O
EO
Allergy & Asthma Medical Group & Research Center, San Diego, California 92123, USA. eomeltzer@aol.com
D000085:Acetates / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003521:Cyclopropanes; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017336:Loratadine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D011804:Quinolines / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D013440:Sulfides
D000085:Acetates; D003521:Cyclopropanes; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists; D011804:Quinolines; D013440:Sulfides; D017336:Loratadine; C093875:montelukast