Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists Flashcards Preview

3: Drugs for Clinical Medicine > Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists > Flashcards

Flashcards in Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists Deck (18)
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1
Q

Give 2 examples of leukotriene receptor antagonists

A
  • Montelukast

- Zafirlukast

2
Q

What is the mechanism of action of leukotriene receptors antagonists?

A

Blocks the action of cysteinyl leukotrienes in the airways

3
Q

What are cysteinyl leukotrienes involved in?

A

Eosinophil or mast cell induced bronchoconstriction

4
Q

What are the routes of delivery of leukotriene receptor antagonists?

A

PO

5
Q

What are the indications for leukotriene receptor antagonists?

A
  • Asthma (chronic)

- Allergic rhinitis

6
Q

When should caution be used in leukotriene receptor antagonists?

A
  • Elderly patients

- Hepatic impairment (zafirlukast only)

7
Q

What can interact with leukotriene receptor antagonists?

A

Warfarin (zafirlukast only)

8
Q

What may happen if you give warfarin and zafirlukast together?

A

Increased anticoagulant effect

9
Q

What monitoring is required with leukotriene receptor antagonists?

A
  • PEFR measurement (to check for improvement)

- Check FBC for agranulocytosis

10
Q

What are the common side effects of leukotriene receptor antagonists?

A
  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain
  • Thirst
11
Q

What are the less common side effects of leukotriene receptor antagonists?

A
  • Agranulocytosis (zafirlukast only)
  • Churg-Strauss syndrome
  • Hypersensitivity
  • Hepatic disorders
12
Q

What patient counselling is required with leukotriene receptor antagonists?

A
  • How to take drug
  • Side effects
  • Jaundice
  • Angio-oedema
13
Q

What counselling is required regarding how to take the drug with leukotriene receptor antagonists?

A

Can be supplied as tablets or granules. Granules may be swallowed or mixed with cold, soft food (but not fluid) and taken immediately

14
Q

What counselling is required regarding side effects with leukotriene receptor antagonists?

A
  • Inform patients about side effects of drug.
  • Warn patient about signs of agranulocytosis, and tell patients to report such side effects to their GP.
  • Warn the patients about signs of Churg-Strauss syndrome
15
Q

What are the signs of agranulocytosis?

A

Increased susceptibility to infections, e.g. sore throat

16
Q

What are the signs of Churg-Strauss syndrome?

A
  • Vasculitic rashes
  • Pulmonary problems
  • Cardiac complications
  • Peripheral neuropathy
17
Q

What counselling is required regarding jaundice with leukotriene receptor antagonists?

A

Warn patient to inform their GP if they develop jaundice

18
Q

What counselling is required regarding angio-oedema with leukotriene receptor antagonists?

A

If patient develops breathing difficulties or swelling of tongue/face after taking the drug, they should seek medical help urgently