Montelukast an alternative to inhaled corticosteroids in children

The leukotriene receptor antagonist montelukast [Singulair] is effective in controlling mild asthma in children, according to studies presented at the 14th Annual Congress of the European Respiratory Society (ERS) [Glasgow, UK; September 2004]. The MOSAIC study found montelukast to be as effective as fluticasone propionate in increasing the number of asthma rescue-free days in children aged 6−14 years with mild asthma, but with less effect on growth rates. Another study, involving children aged 2−5 years, showed that montelukast significantly improved daytime and night-time asthma symptom scores, compared with placebo. Furthermore, montelukast was shown to have similar efficacy to beclometasone in patients with moderate asthma.