Abstract
Several new drugs are now under development for the treatment of asthma, amongst them are anti-leukotrienes. This group consists of both leukotriene receptor antagonists and leukotriene synthesis inhibitors. The leukotrienes (LT) B 4, C 4, D 4 and E 4 are metabolites of arachidonic acid. LTC 4, LTD 4 and LTE 4 were metabolites of arachidonic acid. LTC 4, LTD 4 and LTE 4 were formerly known as the Slow Reacting Substance of Anaphylaxis (SRS-A). These mediators are implicated in the pathophysiology of asthma due to exercise, allergen inhalation and acetylsalicylic acid use. The main effect of LTB 4 is neutrophil chemotaxis. LTC 4, LTD 4 and LTE 4 are associated with bronchus obstruction. A review of the results of various clinical studies with these new compounds is presented. The review is limited to asthma due to allergen inhalation, exercise induced asthma and acetylsalicylic acid induced asthma. Finally the reported adverse reactions and possible contraindications are discussed.
| Translated title of the contribution | Antileukotrienes in asthma |
|---|---|
| Original language | Dutch |
| Pages (from-to) | 495-504 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Pharmaceutisch Weekblad |
| Volume | 131 |
| Issue number | 17 |
| Publication status | Published - 1996 |
| Externally published | Yes |