Effects of montelukast-desloratadine combination on early and late asthma responses Davis BE, Illamperuma C, Gauvreau GM, et al. Single-dose desloratadine and montelukast and allergen-induced late airway responses. Eur Respir J 2009;33(6):1302-308.
BACKGROUND
In asthma, montelukast is given on regular basis to reduce eosinophilic airway inflammation. Addition of the antihistaminic desloratadine can amplify the early and late anti-inflammatory activities of montelukast in patients with asthma.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy data of preventive single-dose desloratadine, montelukast and combination therapy in asthma subjects challenged with inhaled allergens.


RESULTS
Analysis of data from a placebo-controlled, cross-over study in which combination preventive therapy was demonstrated to be superior in reducing both early and late allergen-induced inflammatory response when compared with placebo and each component.


CONCLUSIONS
Although such combination therapy might be effective in preventing the inflammatory flare following the transient allergen exposure, further studies are needed to better define such therapy in terms of duration, doses and therapeutic indications.
Antoniu
Sabina Antonela
SA
Division of Pulmonary Disease, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Pulmonary Disease University Hospital, Iasi 700115, Romania. sabina.antonela.antoniu@pneum.umfiasi.ro