Zafirlukast
Generic name: zafirlukast
The brand name is Accolate
The class of drug: Leukotriene modifiers
What is Zafirlukast?
Zafirlukast is a leukotriene inhibitor used to treat asthma attacks in adults as well as children from 5 years old. young.
Zafirlukast can also be used for reasons not mentioned in this guideline.
Warnings
Contact your physician immediately when you are experiencing indications of inflammation of the blood vessels such as flu-like symptoms, severe sinus discomfort, a skin rash and numbness, or a “pins or needles” sensation in your legs or arms.¶
Take a break from Zafirlukast and consult your physician immediately if you notice any unusual changes in your mood or your behaviour (such as agitation, disorientation or depression, sleep issues or hallucinations, compulsive behaviour or hallucinations as well as suicidal thoughts or behaviours).
Hepatotoxicity
Life-threatening liver failure was reported by patients who have received Zafirlukast. The cases of liver damage without any other cause attributable to the patient have been documented from post-marketing surveillance of adverse events in patients who received the recommended dosage of Zafirlukast (40 mg/day). In the majority, but not all reports after marketing the patient’s symptoms were reduced and liver enzymes returned to normal following the cessation of Zafirlukast. In rare instances, patients may present with hepatitis fulminant or advance to hepatic failure, transplantation and ultimately death. In very few post-marketing instances, no signs or symptoms of liver disease were noted to precede the findings.
The physician may be interested in the benefits of testing the liver function. Regular serum transaminase tests have been found to not prevent injuries that are severe, however, it is widely thought that early detection of hepatic damage caused by drugs and the immediate removal of the suspect drug improves the chance of healing.
Patients are advised to be on the lookout for indicators and signs for liver problems (eg the right upper quadrant, abdominal pain fatigue, nausea, lethargy pruritus and jaundice, symptoms of flu, and anorexia) and should contact their physician as soon as they develop. Continuous clinical evaluation of patients is essential to guide medical interventions, which include the diagnosis of tests and treatments.
If you suspect liver dysfunction due to symptoms or signs (eg abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant nausea, fatigue jaundice, lethargy, pruritus and flu-like symptoms. Also and anorexia) or a dilated liver) Zafirlukast must be stopped.
Tests for liver function and, specifically, the serum ALT must be evaluated immediately and the patient treated according to. If the results of liver function tests show evidence of hepatic impairment, Zafirlukast therapy should not be reinstated. Patients who were treated with Zafirlukast but removed due to hepatic dysfunction with no cause other than the underlying reason is found, must not be exposed for treatment with Accolate.
Bronchospasm
Zafirlukast is not suggested to be used in the treatment of bronchospasm during a severe asthma attack, such as status asthmaticus. Treatment with Zafirlukast is maintained during acute exacerbations of asthma.
Concomitant Warfarin Administration
The coadministration of zafirlukast with warfarin leads to an increase that is clinically significant in prothrombin duration (PT). Patients who are taking oral warfarin anticoagulant therapy, as well as Zafirlukast, need to have their prothrombin levels carefully monitored and their anticoagulant dosage modified accordingly.
Before taking this medication, you must consult your physician.
It is not recommended to take Zafirlukast If you have an allergy to it, or suffer from a liver condition (including Cirrhosis).
Inform your doctor if have ever suffered from liver disease.
Not allowed to be used for anyone under five years old.
The tablet that you chew could contain phenylalanine. It may be harmful in the case of the condition known as phenylketonuria (PKU).
It is unknown whether Zafirlukast could cause harm to a baby who is not yet born. Inform your physician if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant.
Breastfeeding is not advised during the use of Zafirlukast.
How to take Zafirlukast?
Follow the directions on the label of your prescription and read the medication guide or instructions sheets. Make sure you use the medicine precisely as directed.
Zafirlukast isn’t an effective, fast-acting remedy for asthma-related attacks. Seek medical attention whenever your breathing problems become worse rapidly, or if you believe your asthma medications are not functioning.
Have a full stomach at least one hour prior to or 2 hours after eating.
Your dose needs may change due to surgery, illness, stress, or a recent asthma attack. Don’t alter your dosage or stop taking your asthma medication without consulting your doctor.
Continue using Zafirlukast according to the directions even if you do not have any symptoms of asthma.
If you’re taking oral steroid medication, don’t stop abruptly. Ask your doctor about tapering your dose.
Keep at room temperature and free of heat, moisture and light. Close the bottle when not being used.
What if I miss a dose?
Do not take the medicine for as long as you are able, but avoid your missed dosage if you are nearing the time to take the next dose. Don’t have two doses at one time.
How do I react if take too much?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact for help at the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I be aware of when taking Zafirlukast?
Avoid activities or situations that could trigger an asthma attack.
Zafirlukast side effects
Contact a medical professional immediately If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergy, such as blisters, hives extreme itching; difficulty breathing and swelling of your lips, face or tongue.
Contact your physician immediately If you notice symptoms of blood vessel inflammation like flu-like symptoms, extreme sinus discomfort, a skin rash as well as numbness or “pins or needles” sensation in your legs or arms.
Certain people who take Zafirlukast have experienced more or more severe mental issues. Stop using Zafirlukast and consult your physician immediately if you notice strange changes in your behaviour or your mood like:
- Anger or aggression, feeling uneasy or angry;
- depression, anxiety trouble in attention or memory
- Stuttering, tremors, and muscles that are not controlled;
- suicidal ideas or actions;
- hallucinations, sleep disorders and vivid dreams. Sleep-walking or
- Compulsive or repetitive behaviour.
Contact your doctor at any time if you suffer from:
- an increase or decrease in your asthma symptoms;
- liver disorders: nausea, loss of appetite nausea, discomfort in the stomach (upper right side) Itching, fatigue and dark urine jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
Common side effects can be:
- nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, chest pain;
- headaches or
- cold symptoms like congestion, sneezing and sore throat.
This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. other side effects could occur. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other medications could have an effect on Zafirlukast?
Discuss with your doctor any other medications you take particularly:
- erythromycin;
- fluconazole;
- theophylline or
- warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.
This list is not comprehensive. Other medications could influence Zafirlukast such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter as well as vitamins and herbal products.
More details
Always consult your doctor to make sure the information presented on this site is appropriate to your particular situation.