title: Montelukast in childhood asthma: what is the evidence for its use?
abstract: Asthma is a complex process involving extensive infiltration of the airway mucosa and lumen by activated inflammatory cells and release of mediators that result in airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction. Leukotrienes are mediators believed to play a major role in this process. At present, inhaled corticosteroids are the cornerstone of asthma management. However, asthma control may remain suboptimal and there is well-documented concern regarding adverse events with the use of inhaled corticosteroids in children. Leukotriene receptor antagonists, such as montelukast, provide a safe and effective treatment option with ease of administration, particularly in preschool children and as add-on therapy in patients with difficult-to-control asthma.
authors.affiliation: Firestone Institute of Respiratory Health, St Joseph's Health Care Hamilton, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Salima
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Amlani
authors.forename: R Andrew
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: McIvor
mesh_terms: D000085:Acetates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000293:Adolescent; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016084:Bronchoconstriction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003521:Cyclopropanes; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015289:Leukotrienes / Q000502:physiology; D011804:Quinolines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013440:Sulfides; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000085:Acetates; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D003521:Cyclopropanes; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists; D015289:Leukotrienes; D011804:Quinolines; D013440:Sulfides; C093875:montelukast