Montelukast in general pediatric practices.

ABSTRACT

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.