Pharmacology and the Nursing Process by Linda Lane Lilley: Practice Exam

Zileuton acts by inhibiting which enzyme?

1. 5-lipoxygenase

2. Cyclooxygenase

3. Monoamine oxidase

4. Phosphodiesterase

The correct answer is: 5-lipoxygenase

Zileuton, also known as Zileuton CR, is an anti-inflammatory medication that works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase. This enzyme is responsible for the production of leukotrienes, which are molecules involved in the inflammatory response. By inhibiting this enzyme, zileuton helps to reduce inflammation in conditions such as asthma. Option B, cyclooxygenase, is not the correct answer because this enzyme is responsible for the production of prostaglandins, which are also involved in the inflammatory response but do not play a role in asthma. Option C, monoamine oxidase, is not the correct answer because this enzyme is involved in the breakdown of neurotransmitters and is not directly related to inflammation in the lungs. Option D, phosphodiesterase, is not the correct answer because this enzyme plays a role in