Do you have asthma? Or does anyone in your family? Then your doctor may have prescribed a pill called Zafirlukast (pronounced: za-FIR-loo-kast). The brand name of this is Accolate. This medicine is very important for controlling asthma. But there are a few things we need to be especially careful about when using it. Let's learn about it today.
What kind of medicine is Zafirlukast?
Simply put, Zafirlukast is a medicine that helps prevent and control your asthma symptoms over the long term . It works by reducing the inflammation in your airways, which are the passageways that carry air. This makes it easier for you to breathe.
But it's important to remember this: Zafirlukast is not a medicine for a sudden asthma attack. In such cases, you should use the 'Reliever' inhaler prescribed by your doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before giving you Zafirlukast, your doctor will need to know your complete medical history. Be sure to tell them about any of these conditions, especially if you have them.
- Liver disease: If you have had or currently have any liver disease.
- Churg-Strauss syndrome: This is a very rare condition. If you know about this, please tell us.
- Mental health problems: If you or someone in your family has had suicidal thoughts or depression in the past.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to Zafirlukast or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or expecting a baby.
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.
Providing this information accurately will greatly help the doctor provide you with the most appropriate and safest treatment.
How should I use the medicine?
It is very important to follow the exact instructions for using this medicine.
- This pill should be taken by mouth.
- Try to take it at the same time every day , exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- The most important thing is to take this on an empty stomach. That means you should take the pill at least an hour before or two hours after eating.
- Continue using it even on days when you have no symptoms, and until your doctor tells you to stop.
- For children: This medicine can be prescribed to children over 5 years of age in some circumstances. However, your doctor will give you specific instructions about this.
Overdosage
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What do you do if you miss a dose?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Zafirlukast is a medication that can interact with some other medications. Therefore, it is essential to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
- Do not take with these medications: Cisapride, Pimozide.
- Problems can also occur with this medication:
- Aspirin
- Warfarin (a blood thinner)
- Theophylline (another medicine for asthma)
- Phenytoin, Carbamazepine (medicines for epilepsy)
- Erythromycin, Clarithromycin (antibiotics)
- Some medications that lower blood pressure or heart rate (e.g. diltiazem, nifedipine)
- Tolbutamide, Cyclosporine, Dofetilide
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, traditional medicines, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Medical Checkups: Check with your doctor regularly to see how your condition is. If you have any symptoms, let them know.
- Asthma attack: Talk to your doctor about what to do if you have an asthma attack. Always keep your reliever inhaler handy.
- Mental health: This is a very important point. Some people taking this medication may experience changes in their mental state. Therefore, be careful about any changes in your or the person taking the medication's behavior or thoughts .
- New or worsening depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Frequent anxiety, agitation
- Evil, aggressive thoughts
- Insomnia
- Hyperactivity, inability to focus
If you start to notice any of these symptoms, do not delay and inform your doctor immediately.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like any medication, Zafirlukast can cause side effects in some people. Let's break these down into two categories.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| If you have these symptoms, notify your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, unusual tiredness. |
| Mental and behavioral changes | Things like the aforementioned suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and depression. |
| Symptoms that may be associated with Churg-Strauss syndrome | Unusual fatigue, fever, headache, skin rashes, muscle or joint pain, loss of appetite, pain in the limbs, numbness. |
| Tell your doctor if these persist or are bothersome. | |
| Common side effects | Stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, headache. |
How to store the medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 Celsius).
- Keep it away from light and moisture . That means don't keep it in places like the bathroom.
- Keep the medicine bottle tightly closed.
- Throw away expired medicine.
This information sheet is only a summary. If you have any further questions about this medicine, please discuss them with your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Zafirlukast is an asthma control medication, not a medication for an asthma attack.
- Always take this pill before meals (1 hour) or after meals (2 hours) , that is, on an empty stomach.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
- Tell your doctor immediately if you or the person taking the medicine notice any changes in their mental state or behavior, especially thoughts of suicide .
- If you notice symptoms such as allergies, yellowing of the skin or eyes, seek medical advice immediately.
- Always keep your 'Reliever' inhaler handy in case of an emergency.
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