Zafirlukast Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

ZAFIRLUKAST (za FIR loo kast) is used to prevent and treat the symptoms of asthma. Do not use for an acute asthma attack.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• liver disease
• 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?

Take this medicine by mouth on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 5 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

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 may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• cisapride

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• aspirin
• carbamazepine
• cilostazol
• cyclosporine
• dofetilide
• erythromycin or clarithromycin
• medicines for lowering heart rate or blood pressure like diltiazem, felodipine, nifedipine, quinidine, or verapamil
• phenytoin
• sildenafil
• theophylline
• tolbutamide
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Let them know if your symptoms do not improve. Take your medicine even when you do not have symptoms.

Talk to your doctor about what to do in an acute asthma attack. Always have your inhaled rescue medicine for asthma attacks with you.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• dark urine
• difficulty breathing, wheezing
• fever or infection
• flu-like symptoms (chills, fatigue, fever, muscle aches)
• skin rash or itching
• unusually weak or tired
• yellowing of the skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• bleeding or bruising
• headache
• nausea
• pain
• stomach upset
• swelling in hands or feet

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE:This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.