Intravenous montelukast in asthma exacerbations: could it help?

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease leading to recurrent episodes of airflow limitation. It has a significant impact both on individuals and society. Pharmacological agents prescribed for asthma management belong to various therapeutic drug classes and are classically administered via the inhalatory route. Recently, leukotriene receptor antagonists have become more widely available and have been shown to produce a variable degree of bronchodilation. Oral montelukast increases the control over the disease in both children and adults and can reduce the dose of inhalatory steroids required in patients with moderate-to-severe and exercise-induced asthma. Recently, intravenous montelukast was shown to improve the airflow in patients with stable asthma more rapidly. However, the role of this formulation in the treatment of acute asthma is unknown. The current study examines the effect of intravenous montelukast in asthma exacerbations.