Montelukast in general pediatric practices.
Allergic diseases, e.g., allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis and asthma, are common problems in children. Researches on the pathogenesis of allergic diseases have led to the development of new specific antiinflammatory medications, including Montelukast, which blocks the interaction of cysteinyl leukotrienes to their receptors and resulting downstream events. Several studies have demonstrated the effect of regular Montelukast therapy on asthma, allergic rhinitis, viral-induced wheezing in bronchiolitis and chronic rhinitis symptoms. Evidence base medicine now shows that Montelukast can be used as a monotherapy in mild persistent asthma and can be an add-on drug to inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) in moderate to severe persistent asthma. Even in allergic rhinitis, Montelukast has a role in controlling rhinitis symptoms. Montelukast demonstrated a safety profile similar to placebo and more safety than ICS. Moreover Montelukast can improve quality of life in patients with asthma and comorbid allergic rhinitis.
Ngamphaiboon
Jarungchit
J
Department of Pediatrics, Allergy and Immunology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. ngamphaiboon_j@yahoo.com
D000085:Acetates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D003521:Cyclopropanes; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010372:Pediatrics; D011804:Quinolines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013440:Sulfides
D000085:Acetates; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D003521:Cyclopropanes; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists; D011804:Quinolines; D013440:Sulfides; C093875:montelukast