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Zafirlukast
Zafirlukast
Pronunciation
(za FIR loo kast)
Brand Names
Accolate®
Therapeutic Categories
Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist
What is this medicine used for?
- This medicine is used in the prevention and long-term treatment of asthma.
It is not
for the immediate (urgent) treatment of an asthma attack.
How does it work?
- Zafirlukast decreases the body's production of a group of chemicals called
leukotrienes that worsen asthma.
How is it best taken?
- Take on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your
regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
- Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with healthcare
provider.
What are the precautions when taking this
medicine?
- Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well
with other medicines. Erythromycin and theophylline may decrease medicine's
effect.
- Wear disease medical alert identification for asthma.
- Use caution with aspirin and aspirin-containing products. Side effects of
these medicines may be increased.
- If you are on warfarin (blood thinner) you will require more frequent
monitoring if this medicine is added.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to
tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about
rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face,
lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
- Do not use if you are breast-feeding.
What are the common side effects of this
medicine?
- Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
- Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard
candy, or chewing gum may help.
- Diarrhea.
- Belly pain and cramps.
What should I monitor?
- Check prothrombin time/INR if you are on warfarin. Talk with healthcare
provider.
- Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider
immediately
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in
the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face,
lips, tongue, or throat.
- Severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
- Any rash.
- No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
- Store in the original container at room temperature. Protect from light and
moisture.
General statements
- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including
over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).
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