zafirlukast – oral, Accolate

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GENERIC NAME: ZAFIRLUKAST – ORAL (ZA-fir-LOO-kast)

BRAND NAME(S): Accolate

USES: Zafirlukast is used to prevent asthma symptoms and decrease the number of asthma attacks in people 5 and older. It helps make breathing easier by reducing swelling (inflammation) in the airways. Regular use can help control asthma, improve exercise ability, and decrease the need for a rescue inhaler. It works by blocking the activity of natural substances (leukotrienes) that may cause or worsen asthma. It does not work immediately and is not used to treat sudden asthma attacks.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug not listed in the approved professional labeling but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition listed in this section only if prescribed by your health care professional. It may also be used for hay fever and to prevent breathing problems while exercising.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking zafirlukast and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth, usually twice a day or as directed by your doctor. Zafirlukast should be taken on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Your dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to therapy. Use regularly for maximum benefit. To help you remember, use at the same times each day. Do not adjust dose or stop using without consulting your doctor. Continue to take other asthma medications as directed. It does not relieve sudden asthma attacks. Use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed. Full benefit may take 1 to 2 weeks. Inform your doctor if the condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, sore throat, trouble sleeping, malaise, and nausea may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. It may rarely cause serious liver disease. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, unusual tiredness, yellowing of the eyes/skin, dark urine. If you experience mental/mood changes, worsening shortness of breath, tingling of the hands/feet, muscle/joint aches, coughing up blood, swelling of the hands/feet, chest pain, easy bruising/bleeding, signs of infection, or a serious allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for further information.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking zafirlukast, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or other leukotriene blockers; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of liver problems. Use caution in the elderly. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It passes into breast milk and is not recommended for use while breastfeeding. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Keep a list of all the products you use, including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products, and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval. Other medications can affect the removal of zafirlukast from your body, which may affect how it works. Examples include macrolide antibiotics. This medication can slow down the removal of other medications from your body, which may affect how they work. Examples of affected drugs include theophylline, warfarin.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center, and Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to check for side effects. Learn to use a peak flow meter and report worsening asthma. Avoid factors that worsen asthma. Most people with asthma should receive a flu shot annually. Discuss with your doctor.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not double the dose.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Properly discard this product when expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

This information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. Consult a healthcare professional before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

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This information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. Consult a healthcare professional before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.