The use of controller medications in the management of pediatric bronchial asthma - Dynamic patterns of LTRA (montelukast) use

Over the last few years, bronchial asthma morbidity in pediatric patients has been constantly rising. Asthma is considered the most common disease in adolescents. Our survey was focused on two age groups of pediatric patients: 6 to 12 years old and 13 to 16 years old. It encompassed the period from 2008 to 2013. We examined the use patterns of LTRA (montelukast) and its substantial share of the overall use of asthma controller medications. The results revealed a distinctive upward trend in the use of LTRA (montelukast) in both age groups. The mean absolute growth of montelukast (5 mg) in the group of 6 to 12 years old was 521.6 packs, and the mean growth rate was 333.9%. In the age group of 13 to 16 years old, the mean absolute growth of montelukast (5 mg and 10 mg) was 226.8 packs, and the mean growth rate was 341.3%. Both the drug profile and physicians’ propensity to prescribe innovative medicines promote the use of LTRA (montelukast) as an asthma control drug for childhood patients.