Inhaled Steroids | Long-Acting Bronchodilators | Combination Medications | Anti-Leukotrienes | Anti-IgE Therapy | Oral Corticosteroids | Theophyllines
Leukotriene receptor antagonists, called LTRAs for short, are a class of oral medication that is non-steroidal. They may also be referred to as anti-inflammatory bronchoconstriction preventors. LTRAs work by blocking a chemical reaction that can lead to inflammation in the airways. Although not preferred first choice therapy, LTRAs can be tried when an inhaled steroid can not, or will not, be used, or if the dose cannot be increased.
If you've been taking inhaled steroids and your asthma still isn't well-controlled, your doctor may prescribe LTRAs instead of increasing the dosage of your inhaled steroids.
LTRAs do not contain steroids, come in a chewable tablet form and have few side effects. If there is no improvement in your symptoms after 4 weeks of use, your doctor will change your treatment.
Examples of LTRAs include:
- Montelukast (sold as Singulair®)
- Zafirlukast (sold as Accolate®)
The side effects of LTRAs include:
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