What is Zafirlukast?
Zafirlukast is a leukotriene (loo-koe-TRY-een) inhibitor used to stop asthma attacks. attacks among adults as well as children, even as young as 5 years old.
Zafirlukast could be used for other purposes that are not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Zafirlukast
Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, such as blisters, hives, extreme itching, breathing problems, and swelling of your lips, face, and throat,
Contact your physician immediately when you are experiencing symptoms of blood vessel inflammation, such as flu-like symptoms such as severe sinus pain, an itch or rash, numbness, or a "pins and needles" feeling in your legs or arms.
Some people taking Zafirlukast may have reported new or worsening mental disorders. Stop taking Zafirlukast immediately and contact your doctor as soon as you experience abnormal changes in behavior or mood, like:
- Anger or anger, feeling uneasy or angry;
- Anxiety, depression, confusion, issues with attention or memory;
- Stuttering, tremors, and uncontrolled muscle movements
- Suicidal thoughts, actions, or thoughts;
- Hallucinations, sleep disorders dream-like dreams, vivid sleepwalking,
- Compulsive or repetitive behavior.
Contact your doctor at any time if you suffer from:
- An increase or decrease in your asthma symptoms;
- Liver issues: nausea and inability to eat; nausea; abdominal pain (upper right side); fatigue; itching bloody urine; jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
Common negative side effects of zafirlukast include:
- Vomiting, vomiting, stomach pains;
- Headache
- Symptoms of a cold, like congestion, sneezing, and a sore throat.
This isn't an exhaustive list of all possible side effects. Other possible side effects may occur. Contact your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Contact your physician immediately when you are experiencing signs of inflammation in your blood vessels, such as flu-like symptoms, severe sinus discomfort, a skin rash, or numbness or "pins and needles" feeling in your legs or arms.
Stop taking this medication and consult your physician immediately if you notice unusual changes in your mood or your behaviour (such as confusion, agitation, or depression; sleep issues and hallucinations; hallucinations or obsessional behaviours and suicidal ideas or behavior).
Before you take this drug
It is not recommended to take zafirlukast in the event that you are allergic to it or suffer from an underlying liver disorder (including cirrhosis).Speak to your doctor if you have had any liver problems.
Not authorized to be used by anyone less than 5 years old.The chewable tablet could contain phenylalanine, which can be dangerous for those suffering from phenylketonuria (PKU).It is unknown whether zafirlukast could harm a newborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant.Breastfeeding is not advised when using Zafirlukast.
How to take Zafirlukast?
Follow the instructions on the prescription label and also read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Make sure you use the medication precisely as directed.Zafirlukast does not provide rapid-acting medication for asthma attacks. Seek medical attention when your breathing issues become more severe or if you suspect that your medication isn't functioning.Have a full stomach at least one hour prior to or two hours after eating.
Don't alter your dosage or stop taking asthma medications without a doctor's recommendation.Use zafirlukast only according to the directions, even if you have not experienced asthma-related symptoms.If you're taking an oral steroid medication, don't stop abruptly. Ask your doctor about tapering your dose.
Keep the bottle at room temperature, free of heat, moisture, and light. Close the bottle when not being used.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Asthma—Maintenance:
20 mg orally, daily, twice per day, 1 hour prior to and 2 hours after eating
Comments:
A dosage of 20 mg twice daily did not result in an increase in the frequency of withdrawals or adverse events in patients who are elderly.
Use: prophylaxis as well as chronic treatment for asthma
Usual Paediatric Dose for Asthma—Maintenance:
In less than 5 years Effectiveness and safety are not yet established.
5–11 years old:
10 mg, orally, daily, twice per day, 1 hour prior to or two hours after eating
Age 12 or over:
20 mg orally, daily, twice per day, 1 hour prior to and 2 hours following meals
Use: prophylaxis and long-term treatment for asthma
What happens If I miss a dose?
Do not take the medicine for as long as you can. However, avoid any missed doses if it's close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Avoid activities or situations that could cause an asthma attack.
Interaction with other drugs
Inform your doctor about any other medications you take, particularly:
- Erythromycin;
- Fluconazole;
- Theophylline
- Warfarin, Coumadin, and Jantoven
This list isn't complete. Other medications can influence zafirlukast. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. There are many possible interactions between drugs that are listed here.
