Main content Leukotriene Pathway Modifiers for Long-Term Control of Asthma

    Leukotriene Pathway Modifiers for Long-Term Control of Asthma



    Side Effects

    All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.

    Here are some important things to think about:

    • Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
    • Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
    • If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

    Common side effects of this medicine include:

    • Vomiting and diarrhea.
    • Headaches.

    Leukotriene pathway modifiers can cause more serious problems such as mood changes, Reference depression Opens New Window, Reference hallucinations Opens New Window, and suicidal thinking, but this is rare.

    In rare cases, zafirlukast and zileuton cause liver damage. If the liver is being affected by zafirlukast or zileuton, liver function tests will show increased liver enzyme levels in the blood, usually within the first 2 months of treatment.

    Montelukast causes fewer side effects than other leukotriene pathway modifiers. It is less likely to affect the liver, so liver function monitoring is not needed.

    See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)




    By: Reference Healthwise Staff Last Revised: February 13, 2011
    Medical Review: Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
    Reference Rohit K Katial, MD - Allergy and Immunology


    This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.


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