Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: ZAFIRLUKAST (za-FIR-loo-kast)
This medicine is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for the prevention and long term treatment of asthma in patients 5 years of age and older. This medicine may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. TRY TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE at the same time each day. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
THIS MEDICINE WILL NOT STOP AN ASTHMA ATTACK once one has started. IF YOU ARE ALSO USING A BRONCHODILATOR INHALER, be sure to always carry the bronchodilator inhaler with you to use during asthma attacks. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IF YOUR SYMPTOMS DO NOT IMPROVE or if they become worse while you are using this medicine. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. IF YOUR DOCTOR SAYS YOU HAVE HAD LIVER DAMAGE DUE TO THIS MEDICINE, never take this medicine again. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, headache, or diarrhea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience itching, fever, joint or muscle aches and pains, or loss of appetite. Rarely, serious liver disease may occur. SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION if you experience persistent nausea, stomach pain, dark urine, fatigue, or yellowing eyes or skin. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., liver function) should be performed to monitor your progress and possible side effects. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.