Singulair Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists, Leukotriene Receptors, Cysteinyl Leukotrienes, Suspected Adverse Drug Reactions, Vascular Permeability

From Canada:

Leukotriene receptor antagonists: suspected adverse reactions

The cysteinyl leukotrienes are inflammatory mediators that bind to cysteinyl leukotriene receptors found in the human airway and cause a number of airway actions including bronchoconstriction, mucous secretion, vascular permeability and eosinophil recruitment.1 Zafirlukast (Accolate®) and montelukast sodium (Singulair®), marketed in Canada since November 1997 and August 1998 respectively, are competitive cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists. Zafirlukast is indicated for the prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma in patients 12 years of age and older.2 Montelukast is indicated for the prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma, the treatment of asthma in ASA-sensitive patients and the prevention of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in pediatric patients 6-14 years of age and adults 15 years of age and older.1

As of June 1, 1999, the CADRMP has received 41 reports of suspected adverse drug reactions associated with the use of zafirlukast and 22 associated with the use of montelukast. This article will discuss a serious and rare adverse reaction associated with the use of these agents, drug-drug interactions and unexpected adverse reactions that have been reported to the CADRMP.

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/bulletin/carn-bcei_v9n4_e.html

Conditions are discussed in the article.