According to the findings of a descriptive study, the percentage of children with asthma and allergic rhinitis who developed at least one neuropsychiatric symptom after Montelukast and Levocetirizine combination therapy was 22.1%. Researchers aimed to assess the impact of combined Montelukast-Levocetirizine therapy on neuropsychiatric outcomes in pediatrics.

The study included children aged 2 to 5 years who had been diagnosed with both asthma and allergic rhinitis and had initiated Levocetirizine + Montelukast therapy. Their condition was assessed using the Test for Respiratory and Asthma Control in Kids (TRACK), the Rhino Conjunctivitis Scoring System (RCSS), and a questionnaire about common neuropsychiatric effects (such as depression, restlessness, behavioral and mood issues, sleep disturbances, nightmares, headaches, hallucinations, and irritability).

Parents provided responses on behalf of their children both prior to and four weeks after commencing the treatment. Irritable behavior was the most prevalent observation both prior to and post-treatment. Before treatment, irritable behavior was present in 82.4% (n = 56) of children, which decreased to 63.2% (n = 43) after treatment. About 22.1% (n = 15) of children experienced the emergence of a minimum of one neuropsychiatric symptom following treatment.

Factors such as age, gender, RCSS, TRACK, or allergy test positivity did not show a significant influence on the development of neuropsychiatric symptoms. In summary, about one in five children exhibited a minimum of one neuropsychiatric symptom during the study. Identifying potential risk factors will facilitate a more cautious approach to treatment or the exploration of alternative treatment options for children who may be at a greater risk during their clinical follow-up.