Zafirlukast

Generic name: Zafirlukast
Brand names: Accolate
Dosage form: oral tablet (10 mg; 20 mg)
Drug class: Leukotriene modifiers

Usage of Zafirlukast

Zafirlukast is a leukotriene (loo-koe-TRY-een) inhibitor that is used to prevent asthma attacks in adults and children as young as 5 years old.

Zafirlukast may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Zafirlukast side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic Reaction: hives, blisters, severe itching; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your doctor right away if you have signs of blood vessel inflammation: flu-like symptoms, severe sinus pain, a skin rash, numbness or a "pins and needles" feeling in your arms or legs.

Some people using zafirlukast have HAD new or worsening mental problems. Stop taking zafirlukast and call your doctor right away if you have unusual changes in mood or behavior, such as:

agitation, aggression, feeling restless or irritable;

anxiety, depression, confusion, problems with memory or attention;

stuttering, tremors, uncontrolled muscle movements;

suicidal thoughts or actions;

hallucinations, sleep problems, vivid dreams, sleep-walking; or

compulsive or repetitive behaviors.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

worsening or no improvement in your asthma symptoms; or

liver problems--nausea, loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of zafirlukast may include:

nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain;

headache; or

cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Zafirlukast

You should not use zafirlukast if you are allergic to it, or if you have liver disease (including cirrhosis).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had liver disease.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 5 years old.

The chewable tablet may contain phenylalanine and could be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

It is not known if zafirlukast will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using zafirlukast.

Relate drugs

How to use Zafirlukast

Usual Adult Dose for Asthma -- Maintenance:

-20 mg orally twice a day, 1 hour before or 2 hours after mealsComments:-A dose of 20 mg twice daily was not associated with an increase in the overall incidence of adverse events or withdrawals in elderly patients.Use: Prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma

Usual Pediatric Dose for Asthma -- Maintenance:

Less than 5 years: The safety and effectiveness has not been established.5 to 11 years:-10 mg orally twice a day, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals12 years or older:-20 mg orally twice a day, 1 hour before or 2 hours after mealsUse: Prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma

Warnings

Tell your doctor right away if you have signs of blood vessel inflammation: flu-like symptoms, severe sinus pain, a skin rash, numbness or a "pins and needles" feeling in your arms or legs.

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have any unusual changes in mood or behavior (such as agitation, confusion, depression, sleep problems, compulsive behaviors, hallucinations, or suicidal thoughts or actions).

What other drugs will affect Zafirlukast

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

erythromycin;

fluconazole;

theophylline; or

Warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect zafirlukast, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.