Leukotriene Modifiers for Asthma: Treatment & Management

Leukotriene modifiers are used to control asthma exacerbations in children, two years of age and older, and adults. Available brands are Accolate, Singulair and Zyflo.

Leukotrienes' Affects

• Leukotrienes are chemicals that occur naturally in our bodies. They cause the tightening of airway muscles, as well as the excess mucus and fluid during asthma episodes.

Leukotriene Modifiers

• Leukotriene modifiers block the action of leukotrienes and prevent asthma symptoms from occurring. They're asthma preventor medicines, not rescue medicines.

Take Leukotriene Modifiers

• For asthma, you can take leukotriene modifier pills, one to four times a day. You can use them in conjunction with other asthma medicines, and, according to WebMD, they've been shown to decrease the need for other asthma medications.

Side Effects

• The most common side effects of leukotriene modifiers are upset stomach and headache.

Contraindications

• Leukotriene modifiers could cause problems with the effectiveness of medications like theopylline or blood thinners, such as Coumadin. Tell your doctor if you're taking these medicines.