Montelukast versus salmeterol in patients with asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Montelukast/Salmeterol Exercise Study Group

Montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, and salmeterol, a long-acting beta(2)-receptor agonist, each have demonstrated benefits in the treatment of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in short-term studies. Direct comparisons between these agents in long-term studies are limited. We sought to compare montelukast and salmeterol in the long-term treatment of EIB. One hundred ninety-seven patients with mild asthma and a postexercise fall in FEV(1) of at least 18% were randomized (double-blind) to receive montelukast 10 mg once daily or salmeterol 50 microg twice daily for 8 weeks. Exercise challenge was repeated at day 3, week 4, and week 8 after randomization near the end of the dosing interval for both drugs. The primary efficacy endpoint was the maximal percent fall in postexercise FEV(1) at week 8. Montelukast was effective in treating EIB without inducing tolerance and provided superior (P