Leukotriene Pathway Modifiers for Long-Term Control of Asthma

Leukotriene pathway modifiers are used to treat people with persistent asthma who need daily medicine to control Reference inflammation Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window of the airways leading to the lungs (bronchial tubes).

These medicines may be given along with inhaled Reference corticosteroids Opens New Window to control Reference mild persistent and moderate persistent asthma. They may be especially helpful for people whose asthma is triggered by exercise, aspirin, or allergies.

Different types of medicines are often used together in the treatment of asthma. Treatment for asthma depends on a person’s age, his or her type of asthma, and how well the treatment is controlling asthma symptoms.

• Children up to age 4 are usually treated a little differently than those 5 to 11 years old.
• The least amount of medicine that controls the asthma symptoms is used.
• The amount of medicine and number of medicines are increased in steps. So if asthma is not controlled at a low dose of one controller medicine, the dose may be increased. Or another medicine may be added.
• If the asthma has been under control for several months at a certain dose of medicine, the dose may be reduced. This can help find the least amount of medicine that will control the asthma.
• Quick-relief medicine is used to treat asthma attacks. But if you or your child needs to use quick-relief medicine a lot, the amount and number of controller medicines may be changed.

Your doctor will work with you to help find the number and dose of medicines that work best.

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