This Merck-sponsored study evaluated the effect of montelukast 5 mg, or inhaled salmeterol, 50 mcg, added to inhaled fluticasone in reducing the maximum percentage decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) after an exercise challenge and response to rescue bronchodilation with albuterol in 154 children aged 6 to 14 years with persistent asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). Exercise challenges were performed at baseline (pre-randomization) and at the end of each active treatment period. Montelukast, compared with salmeterol, significantly reduced the percentage decrease in FEV1 (10.6% vs 13.8%) and time to recovery (6.0 vs 11.1 minutes)