Montelukast-Induced Hepatitis
Authors: Marc F. Goldstein, James Anoia, Martin Black
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (2004)

Letters6 April 2004Montelukast-Induced HepatitisMarc F. Goldstein, MD, James Anoia, MD, and Martin Black, MDMarc F. Goldstein, MDFrom Drexel University College of Medicine and Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA., James Anoia, MDFrom Drexel University College of Medicine and Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA., and Martin Black, MDFrom Drexel University College of Medicine and Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA.Author, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-140-7-200404060-00042 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail TO THE EDITOR:Background: Leukotriene modifiers, commonly used for persistent asthma, are usually well tolerated. Although reports have described elevated liver enzyme levels, hepatitis, and fulminant hepatic failure induced by zafirlukast (1-9) and zileuton (8), clinical trials of montelukast have revealed no liver toxicity (9). We describe a patient who developed acute hepatitis while receiving montelukast. Discontinuing montelukast therapy led to normalization of all liver function test results except for persistently elevated aminotransferase levels.Objective: To report what we believe to be the first case of montelukast-induced hepatitis, supplemented by a literature review of leukotriene modifier–induced hepatotoxicity.Case Report: A ...References1. Reinus JF, Persky S, Burkiewicz JS, Quan D, Bass NM, Davern TJ. Severe liver injury after treatment with the leukotriene receptor antagonist zafirlukast. Ann Intern Med. 2000;133:964-8. [PMID: 11119397] LinkGoogle Scholar2. Accolate tablets (zafirlukast). Physicians' Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics; 2002:657-9. Google Scholar3. 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Singulair tablets and chewable tablets (montelukast sodium). Physicians' Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics; 2002:2181-5. Google Scholar Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: From Drexel University College of Medicine and Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA. PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsSee AlsoOral Montelukast versus Inhaled Salmeterol To Prevent Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction Anthony J. Grieco and Jessica Burstein-Stein Severe Liver Injury after Treatment with the Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist Zafirlukast John F. Reinus , Seth Persky , Jill S. Burkiewicz , David Quan , Nathan M. Bass , and Timothy J. Davern Severe Liver Injury Maria Torres and K. Rajender Reddy Severe Liver Injury Associated with Zafirlukast Silvio Danese , Italo De Vitis , and Antonio Gasbarrini Metrics Cited byResponse: Commentary: Case Report: Hyperbilirubinemia in Gilbert Syndrome Attenuates Covid-19-Induced Metabolic DisturbancesCommentary: Montelukast Prevents Mice Against Acetaminophen-Induced Liver InjuryA randomized placebo-controlled trial of traditional Chinese medicine as an add-on therapy to oral montelukast in the treatment of mild persistent asthma in childrenNonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs and Leukotriene Receptor AntagonistsImportant Elements for the Diagnosis of Drug-Induced Liver InjuryLiver Disease Caused by DrugsEffect of Montelukast and MK-886 on Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in RatsProbable montelukast-induced hepatotoxicity in a pediatric patient: case reportCysteinyl-leukotrienes and their receptors in asthma and other inflammatory diseases: Critical update and emerging trendsIs montelukast effective and well tolerated in the management of asthma in young children?The Effects of Zafirlukast on Capsular Contracture: Preliminary ReportMontelukast-Induced Hepatitis; Dobutamine-Induced Eosinophilia; Ezetimibe and Statin-Associated Myopathy; Valproic Acid and Hypersensitivity Syndrome; Ribavirin-Induced Hemoglobinuria; Fingernail Clubbing and Discoloration Associated with Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers 6 April 2004Volume 140, Issue 7Page: 586-587KeywordsAlanine aminotransferaseAminotransferasesClinical trial reportingDrugsHepatitisHepatitis ALeukotrieneLiverLiver function testsToxicity ePublished: 6 April 2004 Issue Published: 6 April 2004 Copyright & PermissionsCopyright © 2004 by American College of Physicians. 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