Zyflo

Generic name: Zileuton
Drug class: Leukotriene modifiers

Usage of Zyflo

Zyflo is used to prevent asthma attacks and for long-term management of asthma in adults and children at least 12 years old.

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

Zyflo side effects

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

Zyflo may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

worsening asthma symptoms;

sleep problems;

changes in behavior or sleep problems; or

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

Common side effects of Zyflo may include:

upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, or stomach pain;

muscle aches;

headache; or

runny or stuffy nose, sinus pain, 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 Zyflo

You should not use Zyflo if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

liver disease; or

very high liver enzymes on a blood test.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

liver problems, dark urine, or jaundice (yellow eyes or skin); or

if you drink large amounts of alcohol.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of zileuton on the baby.

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How to use Zyflo

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Zyflo tablets are usually taken 4 times a day at the same times each day, with or without food. If you cannot swallow a tablet whole, split it in half and take one half at a time.

Zyflo extended-release tablets are usually taken twice daily, within 1 hour after your morning and evening meals.

Swallow the extended-release tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Your symptoms may not improve for several days or a few weeks. Keep using Zyflo even after you have no symptoms (a sign that the medicine is working).

Zyflo is not a fast-acting rescue medicine for asthma attacks. Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your medications are not working.

Do not change your dose or stop using asthma medication without your doctor's advice.

You will need frequent blood tests to check your liver function.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Warnings

Zyflo is not a fast-acting rescue medicine for asthma attacks. Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your medications are not working.

Call your doctor right away if you have any changes in behavior or sleep problems.

What other drugs will affect Zyflo

When you start or stop taking Zyflo, your doctor may need to adjust the doses of other medicines you use on a regular basis, especially:

propranolol;

theophylline; or

warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Zyflo, 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.

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