zafirlukast

zafirlukast /za·fir·lu·kast/ (zah-fir´loo-kast) a leukotriene receptor antagonist used as an antiasthmatic agent.

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za·fir·lu·kast (z-fîrl-kst)

n.

A leukotriene receptor antagonist that reduces inflammation and is used to treat asthma.

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Zafirlukast (Accolate)

An inhibitor that prevents leukotrienes from binding to cell receptors; taken over time, zafirlukast can help reduce or prevent asthma symptoms.

Mentioned in: Leukotriene Inhibitors

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zafirlukast,

a bronchodilator.

indications This drug is used for prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma in adults and in children less than 12 years of age.

contraindications Known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its use.

adverse effects Adverse effects of this drug include headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, infections, pain, asthenia, myalgia, fever, dyspepsia, and increased ALT.

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zafirlukast [zah-fir´loo-kast]

a leukotriene receptor antagonist used in treatment of asthma, administered orally.

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zafirlukast

Accolate

Pharmacologic class: Leukotriene receptor antagonist

Therapeutic class: Antiasthmatic, bronchodilator

Pregnancy risk category B

Action

Antagonizes activity of three leukotrienes at specific receptor sites in airway smooth muscle, inhibiting inflammation

Availability

Tablets (coated): 10 mg, 20 mg

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ Prophylaxis and long-term treatment of asthma

Adults and children ages 12 and older: 20 mg P.O. b.i.d.

Children ages 5 to 11: 10 mg P.O. b.i.d.

Dosage adjustment

• Hepatic impairment

Off-label uses

• Exercise-induced bronchospasm
• Chronic urticaria

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug or its components

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• hepatic disease, acute asthma attacks
• patients older than age 55
• pregnant patients
• breastfeeding patients (use not recommended)
• children younger than age 7 (safety not established).

Administration

• Give at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
P.O.	30 min	3.5 hr	12 hr

Adverse reactions

CNS: headache, dizziness, asthenia

GI: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dyspepsia

Musculoskeletal: joint or back pain, myalgia

Other: fever, infection, pain

Interactions

Drug-drug. Aspirin: increased zafirlukast blood level

Erythromycin, theophylline: decreased zafirlukast blood level

Warfarin: increased warfarin effects, greater risk of bleeding

Drug-food. Any food: decreased rate and extent of zafirlukast absorption

Patient monitoring

• Assess patient's respiratory status to help evaluate drug efficacy.

Patient teaching

• Tell patient to take at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
• Advise patient to take exactly as prescribed, even if he's symptom-free.
☞ Tell patient to immediately report asthma attack. Advise him not to use drug for rapid relief of bronchospasm.
• Instruct patient to continue taking other asthma drugs unless prescriber directs otherwise.
• Instruct female patient to consult prescriber if she plans to breastfeed.
• As appropriate, review all other significant adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs and foods mentioned above.