Montelukast in the treatment of mild to moderate persistent asthma

Introduction. Anti-inflammatory preventive treatment is recommended in cases of persistent asthma. Besides inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), which represent the mainstay of treatment, other therapeutic options are available, of which only antileukotrienes are approved for all age groups. Background. Given as a substitute of low-dose ICS, montelukast prevents exacerbations as efficiently and for a longer period than long-acting beta 2-agonists. Montelukast is as efficient as doubling the dose of ICS on asthma symptoms in cases of inadequate control with low-dose ICS. Combined with ICS, it can lead to better control of asthma and potentially to ICS sparing. Conclusions. Given the efficacy, tolerance and long-term treatment compliance of montelukast in mild persistent asthma in adults and children, montetukast, given as a substitute or combined with ICS, could contribute to enhanced control of asthma, especially in children. (C) 2011 SPLF. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.