Asthma Medication Singulair (montelukast) May Provide Relief for the Common Cold

Filed in archive Allergy Medications , Allergy: Research and Development on March 1, 2007

According to a study conducted by physicians in the Division of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology at Allegheny General Hospital (AGH) in Pittsburgh, a commonly prescribed medication for asthma and allergy treatment - Singulair - may also provide relief for the common cold.

According to Deborah Gentile, MD, study lead investigator, and director of research, AGH Division of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology:

"This study showed that treatment with Singulair (montelukast) resulted in a faster resolution of signs and symptoms of the common cold. We found that the cold symptoms and runny nose, as well as the duration of the cold, were cut in half in the group that took Singulair."

Leukotrienes, chemicals produced by our body during episodes of inflammation or swelling, are linked to the development of cold symptoms and runny nose.

Singulair works by blocking the effects of leukotrienes.

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