Drugs & Vitamins

Zafirlukast Active Ingredients: Zafirlukast Representative Names: Accolate Available Product Images: What is zafirlukast? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with zafirlukast? What side effects may I notice from using zafirlukast? What should I watch for while taking zafirlukast? Where can I keep my medicine? What is zafirlukast? (Back to top) ZAFIRLUKAST (Accolate®) helps to reduce asthma symptoms (coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness) and control your asthma. It does not provide instant relief and cannot be used to treat a sudden asthma attack. It works only when used on a regular basis to help reduce inflammation and prevent asthma attacks. Zafirlukast is effective in adults and older children. Generic zafirlukast tablets are not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •an acute asthma attack •are on corticosteroid therapy, like prednisone or inhalers •liver disease, like hepatitis •an unusual or allergic reaction to zafirlukast, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Take zafirlukast by mouth (i.e., swallowed) on an empty stomach. This means you should take this medicine at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You should take zafirlukast every day, even when you are not having asthma symptoms. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children under the age of 5 years old. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the previous dose. Do not use double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with zafirlukast? (Back to top) •alprazolam •aspirin •astemizole •carbamazepine •cilostazol •cisapride •clarithromycin •cyclosporine •diazepam •diltiazem •dofetilide •doxercalciferol •erythromycin •paricalcitol •phenytoin •sildenafil •some medicines for lowering cholesterol (examples: lovastatin, simvastatin) •some medicines for lowering heart rate or blood pressure (examples: diltiazem, felodipine, nifedipine, quinidine, verapamil) •terfenadine •theophylline •tolbutamide •voriconazole •warfarin Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from using zafirlukast? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •wheezing or continued coughing Rare or uncommon-signs of allergic reactions: •skin rash and itching (hives) •swelling of face, lips, or eyelids •difficulty breathing Rare- signs of liver problems: •brown or dark urine •fatigue •loss of appetite •nausea and vomiting •severe itching •yellowing of the eyes or skin Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •cough, sore throat •headache •indigestion or mild stomach ache •runny or stuffy nose What should I watch for while taking zafirlukast? (Back to top) Zafirlukast is only used to help prevent asthma attacks; it is not used as a "quick-relief" medicine to treat an asthma attack. Therefore, you should always have your "quick-relief" medicine with you to treat an asthma attack. Talk with your prescriber about what you should do if you have an acute asthma attack. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if your asthma gets worse while you are using zafirlukast. If you find that your medicines become less effective in treating your asthma, you should contact your health care professional as soon as possible. Do not to stop taking or decrease the use of your other asthma treatments, including steroids, when starting zafirlukast unless otherwise directed by their health care prescriber. Follow your prescriber's directions exactly. Zafirlukast works best if you use it regularly even when you do not have asthma symptoms. Do not stop using your medication without your prescriber's advice. If you are going to have surgery, tell your health care professional that you take zafirlukast. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of young children. Store at room temperature; do not freeze. Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:08/31/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.