What Is Zafirlukast?
Zafirlukast is used for chronic treatment of asthma, and to prevent asthma attacks in adults and children as young as 5 years old.
Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 5 years without a doctor's advice.
Zafirlukast may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
You should not use this medicine if you have liver disease (including cirrhosis).
Zafirlukast will not work fast enough to treat an asthma attack. Use only a fast acting inhalation medicine for an asthma attack. Tell your doctor if it seems like your asthma medications don't work as well.
Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 5 years without a doctor's advice.
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to zafirlukast, or if you have liver disease (including cirrhosis).
To make sure zafirlukast is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- a history of liver disease;
- if you also take erythromycin or theophylline; or
- if you also take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven).
FDA pregnancy category B. Zafirlukast is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Zafirlukast can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
Zafirlukast Side Effects
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- depressed mood, unusual thoughts or behavior;
- severe sinus pain or congestion;
- numbness or tingly feeling in your arms or legs;
- worsening or no improvement in your asthma symptoms;
- liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
- high levels of certain white blood cells--skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, pain, muscle weakness, new or worsening cough, fever, trouble breathing.
- nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain;
- headache; or
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.
Zafirlukast Interactions
Other drugs may interact with zafirlukast, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
Zafirlukast Dosage
Zafirlukast will not work fast enough to treat an asthma attack. Use only a fast acting inhalation medicine for an asthma attack. Tell your doctor if it seems like your asthma medications don't work as well.
Take zafirlukast on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Your dose needs may change if you have surgery, are ill, are under stress, or have recently had an asthma attack. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor's advice.
Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you have no asthma symptoms.
Asthma is sometimes treated with a combination of drugs. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Every person with asthma should remain under the care of a doctor.
If you also use a steroid medication, do not stop using it suddenly or you may have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk with your doctor about tapering your steroid dose before stopping completely.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Zafirlukast Pictures
