Leukotriene inhibitor drugs

Leukotrienes are chemical mediators of the inflammatory process, produced by the arachidonic acid pathway; inhibiting their broncho-constricting action improves the patency of the bronchi; for this reason they are considered asymptomatic drugs. The mechanism of action, depending on the drug, it can take place in two different ways; the first provides for the blocking of cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases, thus inhibiting the formation of all leukotrienes upstream (eg Zileuton); the second exploits the antagonist action towards the leukotriene receptors (eg Montelukast and Zafirlukast).
Leukotrienics are recently commercialized antiasthmatic drugs that are easy to administer in the form of granules or chewable tablets; for this reason they are traditionally indicated for the therapy of pediatric asthma.