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.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-Churg-Strauss syndrome
-liver disease
-suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
-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?
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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.
What if I miss a dose?
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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?
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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
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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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?
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash or hives, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-breathing problems
-chest pain or irregular heartbeat
-dark urine
-fever or infection
-flu-like symptoms (chills, fatigue, fever, muscle aches)
-hallucinations
-pain and swelling of your sinuses
-pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
-suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
-trouble sleeping
-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
Where should I keep my medicine?
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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.
Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.
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FIRST Trimester
Class B - Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.
SECOND Trimester
Class B - Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.
THIRD Trimester
Class B - Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.
Lactation
Caution - Not enough information is available to rule out harm to infants when this drug is taken by nursing mothers.
