Leukotriene antagonists adverse effects

Patients receiving these agents may notice improvement in 1 to 2 weeks, but maximal benefit may not be seen for 4 to 6 weeks. Cromolyn and nedocromil appear to be similar in efficacy to the leukotriene antagonists and theophylline for persistent asthma.18 Both agents are well tolerated with adverse effects limited to cough and wheezing. Bad taste and headache have also been reported with nedocromil. One dose of cromolyn or nedocromil prior to exercise or allergen exposure will provide effective prophylaxis for 1 to 2 hours. Cromolyn and nedocromil are not as effective as albuterol for prophylaxis of exercise-induced asthma. 

Pranlukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist. It was developed primarily for the Japanese market and there is little international experience of it. To date, adverse events have occurred in under 1% of patients and gastrointestinal effects were the most common, accounting for 4.7% of reported adverse events (1). 

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