Zafirlukast
Bronchodilator & Anti-asthma Preps: Orals/Parenterals · Leukotriene antagonist
Indications
Treatment of asthma.
Dosage
Adults: 20 mg twice daily between meals. Children: Prophylaxis of asthma: 12-18 yr, 20 mg twice daily.
Adverse Effects
Headache, GI upset, rash. Increased serum transaminases. Increased respiratory infections in elderly. Rarely, hepatitis, bruising, bleeding disorders, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis, lower limb oedema, arthralgia, myalgia, hypersensitivity.
Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)
Pregnancy: No evidence of risk in humans. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Hepatic impairment, cirrhosis, hypersensitivity. Precautions: Do not substitute for steroid therapy or use for acute attacks. Moderate to severe renal impairment. Elderly. Discontinue if an eosinophilic condition or a Churg-Strauss syndrome develop. If signs or symptoms of hepatotoxicity, measure serum transaminases and consider withdrawing therapy.
Interactions
Warfarin, theophylline, aspirin, terfenadine, erythromycin, smoking.
Advice to Patient
Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Take medication regularly as prescribed, even if you do not have any symptoms. Contact prescriber if there is nausea, fatigue, itching, fever, chills, muscle or back pain, weakness, pale stool, dark urine, yellowing of eyes or skin, rash on skin, right upper abdominal pain, swelling of eyes/face/neck/throat, loss of appetite, flu-like symptoms. Do not discontinue other asthmatic medications without consulting prescriber. Do not take aspirin or aspirin-containing medications without consulting prescriber.
Pharmacokinetics
Asthma symptom improvement: Onset of action: Peak effect: 2-6 wks. Duration: 12 hrs. Absorption: Rapid. Metabolism: Extensively hepatic. Bioavailability: Reduced 40% with food. Half-life elimination: Approx. 10 hrs (range: 8-16 hrs). Time to peak, serum: Children: 2-2.5 hrs; Adults: 3 hrs. Excretion: Faeces (approx. 90%). Urine (approx. 10%).
Brands with this active ingredient
Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →
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