LEUKOTRIENE ANTAGONISTS Meaning and
Definition
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Leukotriene antagonists, also known as leukotriene inhibitors, are a class of medications used to treat and manage inflammatory conditions, particularly asthma and allergic rhinitis. They work by blocking the action of leukotrienes, a group of natural substances produced by the immune system that play a pivotal role in the inflammatory response.
Leukotrienes are potent chemicals that are responsible for causing inflammation, bronchoconstriction (narrowing of airways), mucus secretion, and other allergic reactions. In patients with asthma or allergies, these leukotrienes are produced in excess and contribute to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and nasal congestion.
Leukotriene antagonists act by binding to specific receptors where leukotrienes normally attach, thereby preventing their action. By blocking the effect of leukotrienes, these medications help to reduce inflammation in the airways, relax smooth muscles, decrease mucus production, and ultimately alleviate symptoms.
Commonly prescribed leukotriene antagonists include montelukast, zafirlukast, and zileuton. These medications are typically taken orally and are available in tablet or chewable tablet forms. They are generally used as maintenance therapy to provide long-term control of asthma and allergic rhinitis, and may be used in combination with other medications such as inhaled corticosteroids.
It is important to note that leukotriene antagonists are not intended to provide immediate relief of acute symptoms, but rather are meant to be taken regularly to prevent inflammation and reduce the frequency and severity of asthma or allergy attacks. The specific dosage and duration of treatment should be determined by a healthcare professional based on the individual's condition and response to therapy.
Common Misspellings for LEUKOTRIENE ANTAGONISTS
- keukotriene antagonists
- peukotriene antagonists
- oeukotriene antagonists
- lwukotriene antagonists
- lsukotriene antagonists
- ldukotriene antagonists
- lrukotriene antagonists
- l4ukotriene antagonists
- l3ukotriene antagonists
- leykotriene antagonists
- lehkotriene antagonists
- lejkotriene antagonists
- leikotriene antagonists
- le8kotriene antagonists
- le7kotriene antagonists
- leujotriene antagonists
- leumotriene antagonists
- leulotriene antagonists
- leuootriene antagonists
- leuiotriene antagonists
Etymology of LEUKOTRIENE ANTAGONISTS
The word "leukotriene" comes from the Greek words "leukos", meaning white, and "treis", meaning three, along with the chemical suffix "-ene" indicating a hydrocarbon. It was named so because early researchers discovered a substance that induced the contraction of smooth muscles, leading to the observation that it caused the appearance of white blood cells in the lungs.
The term "antagonists" stems from the Latin word "antagonista" meaning opponent or adversary. In the pharmaceutical context, an antagonist is a substance that counteracts or blocks the effects of another substance. Therefore, "leukotriene antagonists" are drugs that oppose or prevent the effects of leukotrienes on smooth muscle contraction, inflammation, and other physiological activities.
