Zafirlukast

Drug Status in USA : Approved
Drug Status in Canada : Approved

pronunciation

pronounced as (za fir' loo kast)

Why is this medication prescribed?

Zafirlukast is used to prevent asthma symptoms. Zafirlukast is in a class of medications called leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs). It works by blocking the action of certain natural substances that cause swelling and tightening of the airways.


How should this medicine be used?

Zafirlukast comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken two times a day, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Try to take zafirlukast at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take zafirlukast exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Do not use zafirlukast to treat a sudden attack of asthma symptoms. Your doctor will prescribe a short-acting inhaler to use during attacks. Talk to your doctor about how to treat symptoms of a sudden asthma attack.

Continue to take or use all other medications that your doctor has prescribed to treat your asthma. Do not stop taking any of your medications or change the doses of any of your medications unless your doctor tells you that you should.

Zafirlukast may help control asthma symptoms, but it does not cure asthma. Continue to take zafirlukast even if you feel well. Do not stop taking zafirlukast without talking to your doctor.


What are the precautions to be followed?

Before taking zafirlukast,
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to zafirlukast or any other medications.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); aspirin or aspirin-containing products; calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine (Norvasc, in Caduet), diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac), felodipine (Plendil), isradipine (Dynacirc), nicardipine (Cardene), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia, others), nimodipine (Nimotop), nisoldipine (Sular), or verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan); carbamazepine (Equetro, Tegretol); cisapride (Propulsid) (not available in the U.S.); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); erythromycin (E.E.S, Erythrocin); phenytoin (Dilantin); theophylline (Theo-Dur, others); and tolbutamide. Other medications may also interact with zafirlukast, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you more carefully for side effects.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking zafirlukast, call your doctor.
  • do not breastfeed while you are taking zafirlukast.
  • you should know that your mental health may change in unexpected ways while you are taking zafirlukast. You should call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: agitation, aggressive behavior, anxiety, irritability, unusual dreams, hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist), depression, difficulty falling asleep or staying sleep, restlessness, suicidal behavior (thinking about harming or killing yourself or planning or trying to do so), or tremor (uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body). Your doctor will decide if you should continue taking zafirlukast.

What are possible side effects of this medication ?

Zafirlukast may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if this symptom is severe or does not go away.
  • headache
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS section, call your doctor immediately.
  • nausea
  • loss of appetite
  • pain in the right upper part of your stomach
  • excessive tiredness
  • lack of energy
  • itching
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • flu-like symptoms
  • rash
  • swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • hoarseness
  • pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet

Zafirlukast may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.


How to store the medication and dispose it of after its use later?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from light, excess heat, and moisture (not in the bathroom) . Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.


Drug Category/Class

  • Anti-Asthmatic Agents
  • Respiratory System
  • Drugs for Obstructive Airway Diseases
  • Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A2 Inhibitors
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A2 Inducers
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP2C8 Inhibitors
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP2C19 Inducers
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP2C8 Inducers
  • CYP2E1 Inhibitors
  • CYP2E1 Inducers
  • CYP2E1 Inducers (strong)
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP2C9 Inhibitors
Prescribed For the prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma.
Weight :575.675
Structure Zafirlukast
Generic Drug Zafirlukast prescribed For the prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma.
Formula

C31H33N3O6S

Zafirlukast has 2 Brands listed


Zuvair (10 mg)Zuvair (20 mg)

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