Zafirlukast(za fir' loo kast)
Brand name(s): Accolate
Why is this medication prescribed?Zafirlukast is used to prevent asthmasymptoms. It works by blocking the action of substances thatcause inflammation, fluid retention, mucous secretion, andconstriction in your lungs. This medication is sometimes prescribed forother uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for moreinformation.
How should this medicine be used?Zafirlukast comes as a tablet to take bymouth. It usually is taken two times a day. Follow thedirections on your prescription label carefully, and ask yourdoctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.Take zafirlukast exactly as directed. Do not take more or lessof it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Zafirlukast controls asthma symptoms butdoes not cure them. Continue to take zafirlukast even if youfeel well. Do not stop taking zafirlukast without talking toyour doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?Before taking zafirlukast, - tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic tozafirlukast or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription andnonprescription medications you are taking, especiallyanticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin(Coumadin), aspirin, erythromycin, terfenadine (Seldane),theophylline (Theo-Dur), and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liverdisease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to becomepregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant whiletaking zafirlukast, call your doctor.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?Take zafirlukast either 1 hour before or 2hours after a meal.
What should I do if I forget a dose?Take the missed dose as soon as youremember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose,skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?Although side effects from zafirlukast arenot common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of thesesymptoms are severe or do not go away. - headache
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- muscle or joint pain
If you experience any of the followingsymptoms, call your doctor immediately. - upset stomach
- pain in the right upper part of your stomach
- fatigue
- lack of energy
- itching
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- loss of appetite
- flu-like symptoms
- cold or infection that lasts a long time
- rash
- increased difficulty breathing
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?Keep this medication in the container itcame in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store itat room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (notin the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated orno longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the properdisposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdoseIn case of overdose, call your local poisoncontrol center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsedor is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know?Keep all appointments with your doctor andthe laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests tocheck your response to zafirlukast. Call your doctor if your asthma symptoms donot improve or worsen. Zafirlukast will not stop an acute attackthat has already started. Continue to use the medicationprescribed for your acute attacks. Do not let anyone else take yourmedication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have aboutrefilling your prescription.
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