What is the most important information I should know about zafirlukast?
Do not use zafirlukast to treat an
asthma attack that has already begun. It will not
work fast enough to reverse your symptoms. Use only a fast-acting inhalation medication to treat
an asthma attack. Talk with your doctor if any of your asthma medications do not seem to work
as well in treating or preventing asthma attacks.
It may take up to several weeks of using this medicine before your symptoms
improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your
symptoms do not improve after several weeks of treatment.
Call your doctor right away if you feel that this medicine is not working as well as usual,
or if it makes your condition worse. If it seems like you need to use more of any of your
medications in a 24-hour period, talk with your doctor.
What is zafirlukast?
Zafirlukast is a leukotriene (loo-koe-TRY-een) inhibitor. Leukotrienes are chemicals your
body releases when you breathe in an allergen (such as pollen). These chemicals cause swelling
in your lungs and tightening of the muscles around your airways, which can result in asthma
symptoms.
Zafirlukast is used to treat and prevent asthma attacks in adults and children as young as 5
years old.
Do not give this medication to a child without a doctor's advice.
Zafirlukast may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking zafirlukast?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to zafirlukast.
Before using zafirlukast, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs (especially
aspirin), or if you have liver disease. You may not be able to use zafirlukast, or you may need
dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
The chewable tablet form of this medication may contain up to 0.842 milligrams of
phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of zafirlukast if you have
phenylketonuria (PKU).
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an
unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Zafirlukast can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this
medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take zafirlukast?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on
your prescription label.
Zafirlukast is usually taken once daily in the evening for prevention of asthma or allergy
symptoms. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Take zafirlukast on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Do not use zafirlukast to treat an asthma attack that has already begun. It will not
work fast enough to reverse your symptoms. Use only a fast-acting inhalation medication to treat
an asthma attack. Talk with your doctor if any of your asthma medications do not seem to work
as well in treating or preventing asthma attacks.
For best results, keep using zafirlukast as directed. Talk with your doctor if your
symptoms do not improve after several weeks of treatment.
Asthma is often treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your
condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication
guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses
or medication schedule without advice from your doctor, even if you have no asthma symptoms.
Call your doctor right away if you feel that this medicine is not working as well as usual,
or if it makes your condition worse. If it seems like you need to use more of any of your
medications in a 24-hour period, talk with your doctor.
Store zafirlukast at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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