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Zafirlukast

  • Zafirlukast takes time to work in the body. It will not bring rapid relief in sudden asthma attacks and should not be used in this way.
  • Do not stop taking zafirlukast without speaking to your doctor first. You should continue to take zafirlukast even when you are not experiencing any problems with your asthma.
  • If your asthma gets worse you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
  • Important: If you experience a persistent feeling of sickness or persistent vomiting, if you generally feel unwell, experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) or have a pain on the right side of your stomach just below your ribs, you should contact your doctor immediately.

About zafirlukast

Type of medicineLeukotriene receptor antagonist
Used forMild to moderate asthma
Relief of chest tightness experienced during exercise
Also calledAccolate
Available asTablets

Certain agents or activities are commonly associated with the onset of an asthma attack and these are often referred to as trigger factors. Exposure to these factors can cause the body to produce substances called leukotrienes that cause inflammation and tightening of the airways during an asthma attack. Zafirlukast works by blocking the effects of leukotrienes.

Zafirlukast is used in mild to moderate asthma to control symptoms and prevent it from getting worse. It may also be of benefit in chest tightness, experienced by patients with asthma during exercise.

Before taking zafirlukast

Before taking zafirlukast make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
  • If you smoke (this may affect the dose you need).
  • If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • Zafirlukast is not recommended in children under 12 years.

How to take zafirlukast

  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Each dose of zafirlukast should be taken on an empty stomach and not with a meal.
  • Try to take each dose at the same times each day to avoid missing a dose. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, take this as usual, missing out the dose you forgot. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Zafirlukast takes time to work in the body. It will not bring rapid relief in sudden asthma attacks and should not be used in this way. Your doctor should provide you with another medication for this purpose.
  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.
  • Do not stop taking zafirlukast without speaking to your doctor first. You should continue to take zafirlukast even when you are not experiencing any problems with your asthma.
  • If your asthma gets worse you should see your doctor as soon as possible.

Can zafirlukast cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
NauseaEat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
VomitingDrink plenty of liquid. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
DiarrhoeaDrink plenty of water to replace lost fluids.
Headache (usually mild)Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor.

Other side-effects may include a feeling of discomfort, stomach pain, chest infections, sleeplessness, pain in the joints or muscles, loss of appetite, itching, tiredness, lack of energy or flu-like symptoms. If you experience these or any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Important: If you experience a persistent feeling of sickness or persistent vomiting, if you generally feel unwell, experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) or have a pain on the right side of your stomach just below your ribs, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Important: If you experience any swelling or water retention, or a skin rash and itching, stop taking zafirlukast and contact your doctor immediately.

Important: If you start to bruise easily or experience any unusual bleeding, including heavy menstrual periods, a persistent fever or sore throat, contact your doctor immediately.

Important: If you develop a combination of the following symptoms, severe sinusitis, increasing breathlessness, flu-like symptoms, skin rash, tummy pain, numbness or pins and needles in the arms or legs, tell your doctor immediately.

How to store zafirlukast

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Accolate® Tablets, AstraZeneca UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised August 2004, accessed 11 December 2007.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008DocID:
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dils3738		Last Reviewed:
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