Leukotriene antagonists are medicines used to prevent asthma symptoms. This medicine is taken every day, even when your child is not having symptoms. This medicine is called a controller medicine because when it’s taken regularly every day, it helps to control symptoms.
Leukotriene antagonists do not give quick relief of wheezing in acute asthma attacks. For acute attacks, your child needs a different type of medicine called a reliever.
This medicine may also help control a stuffy or runny nose caused by an allergy.
Asthma symptoms are caused by 2 different problems in the airways.
Asthma symptoms often start after exposure to a trigger. Asthma triggers can include pollen, animals, mold, colds, exercise, cold air, and air pollutants. It’s important to know what things trigger your child's asthma symptoms. Help your child avoid the things that trigger an asthma attack. Your child should keep reliever medicine with him at all times in case he has an asthma attack.
The body makes chemicals called leukotrienes. These chemicals make the airways tighten up. They also cause irritation and swelling of the lining of the airway. Leukotriene antagonist medicine blocks the effects of leukotrienes so your child will have less irritation, swelling, and muscle tightness. Then your child will have fewer symptoms and be able to breathe better.
Leukotriene antagonists are available as pills, chewable tablets, extended-release tablets, or granules that can be mixed with food.
If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information. Be sure to keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.