Zafirlukast: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Functions & Usage

What is Zafirlukast used for?

Zafirlukast is a drug to prevent asthma symptoms and reduce the number of asthma attacks in people 5 years of age and over. This medication helps ease breathing by reducing swelling (inflammation) in the airways. Regular use of this medication can help control asthma, improve your ability to exercise, and reduce the amount of time it takes you to use a breath aid.

These drugs work by inhibiting the activity of natural substances (leukotriene) that may cause or worsen asthma. This medication does not work right away and is not used to treat sudden asthma attacks.

OTHER BENEFITS: This section contains medicinal benefits that are not listed on approved professional drug labels but may be prescribed by a professional healthcare provider. Use this medication for the conditions listed in this section only if it has been prescribed by a professional healthcare provider. This medicine may also be used for hay fever and to prevent respiratory problems during exercise.

What are the rules for using Zafirlukast drugs?

Read the patient information leaflet if applicable from the pharmacist before you start using Zafirlukast and each time you get a refill. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

You usually take this medicine 2 times a day or as directed by your doctor. Zafirlukast should be taken on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Dosage is based on age, medical condition, and response to therapy. Use this medicine regularly for maximum benefits. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

Do not increase or decrease the dose or stop using this drug without consulting your doctor. Continue to take asthma medication as directed by your doctor. This drug works over time and does not necessarily relieve sudden asthma attacks. So, if an asthma attack occurs, use a breath aid as prescribed.

It may take 1-2 weeks before you feel the full benefits of the drug. Tell your doctor if your condition (eg asthma symptoms, amount of time you use a breath aid) doesn't improve or gets worse.

How to save Zafirlukast?

Store the medicine at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom and freeze medication. Medicines under different brands may have different storage methods. Check the product box for instructions on how to store it, or ask the pharmacist. Stay away from children and pets.

It is forbidden to flush the medicine in the toilet or throw it into the drain if not told to. Properly discard this product if it is past the deadline or is no longer needed. Consult a pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more in-depth details on how to safely dispose of the product.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be considered before using the drug Zafirlukast?

In a decision to use a drug, the risks of the drug must be weighed against its benefits. It is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this drug, the following should be considered:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as food, coloring, preservatives, or animals. For over-the-counter products, read labels or packaging materials carefully.

Children

Adequate studies have not been conducted on the relationship of age to the effects of Zafirlukast in children. However, safety and efficacy have not been confirmed in children younger than 5 years.

Elderly

The adequate studies conducted so far have not shown that specific elderly disorders will limit the benefits of Zafirlukast in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more prone to developing lower respiratory tract infections and unwanted side effects, which may require caution and an adjustment in dosage for elderly patients receiving zafirlukast.

Is Zafirlukast safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B. (A = No risk, B = No risk in some studies, C = Possible risk, D = There is positive evidence of risk, X = Contraindicated, N = unknown)

Side effects

What are the possible side effects of Zafirlukast?

Get emergency medical help if you experience any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor right away if you experience serious side effects such as:

• Asthma symptoms get worse
• Cough, fever, new or worsening breathing difficulties
• Changes in mood or habits, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders (insomnia)
• Rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, muscle pain, weakness
• Nausea, upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, flu symptoms, hives, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice

Milder side effects may include:

• Headache
• Diarrhea, stomach pain
• Limp
• Dizzy
• Muscle ache
• Sore throat, cold symptoms

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interactions

What drugs can interfere with the work of the drug Zafirlukast?

Although certain drugs should not be used at the same time, in other cases two different drugs may be used together even if interactions are possible. In this case, the doctor may want to change the dose, or other warnings may be important. Tell your healthcare professional if you are on prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Using this medication with any of the following medicines may increase your risk of side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If the two drugs are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or the length of time you take one or both drugs.

• Erythromycin
• Terfenadine
• Theophylline
• Warfarin

Can certain foods and drinks interfere with the work of the drug Zafirlukast?

Certain drugs cannot be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with a healthcare professional about using drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

What health conditions can interfere with the performance of the drug Zafirlukast?

The presence of other medical disorders may affect the use of this drug. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have other medical problems, especially:

• Asthma attack, acute - Should not be used to control acute asthma
• Churg-Strauss syndrome (rare blood condition) - Use with caution. May aggravate the condition
• Liver disease (including cirrhosis) - Should not be used in patients with this condition

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for a doctor's prescription. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Zafirlukast for adults?

20 mg orally 2 times a day, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

What is the dosage of Zafirlukast for children?

5-11 years: 10 mg orally 2 times a day, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

12 years or older: 20 mg orally 2 times a day, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

In what dosages and preparations is Zafirlukast available?

10 mg tablet; 20 mg

What to do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118/119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Overdose symptoms may include:

• Nausea
• Rash

What should I do if I forget to take medicine or forget to take medicine?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.