Pranlukast (brand name Onon, オノン) is a cysteinyl
leukotriene receptor-1 antagonist. This drug works similarly to
Merck & Co.'s
montelukast
Montelukast, sold under the brand name Singulair among others, is a medication used in the maintenance treatment of asthma. It is generally less preferred for this use than inhaled corticosteroids. It is not useful for acute asthma attacks. Ot ...
(Singulair). It is widely used in Japan.
Medications of this class, which go under a variety of names according to whether one looks at the American, British or European system of nomenclature, have as their primary function the antagonism of
bronchospasm
Bronchospasm or a bronchial spasm is a sudden constriction of the muscles in the walls of the bronchioles. It is caused by the release (degranulation) of substances from mast cells or basophils under the influence of anaphylatoxins. It causes di ...
caused, principally in asthmatics, by an allergic reaction to accidentally or inadvertently encountered
allergen
An allergen is a type of antigen that produces an abnormally vigorous immune response in which the immune system fights off a perceived threat that would otherwise be harmless to the body. Such reactions are called allergies.
In technical terms ...
s.
Medications of this group are normally used as an adjunct to the standard therapy of inhaled steroids with inhaled
long- and/or short-acting
beta-agonists. There are several similar medications in the group; all appear to be equally effective. Pranlukast is also reported as potential inhibitor of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in experimental models.
References
{{Leukotrienergics
Leukotriene antagonists
Tetrazoles
Chromones
Merck & Co. brands
Benzamides
Phenol ethers