Has your doctor told you to start taking Zileuton for your asthma? The name may sound a bit strange. You may have questions about what exactly this medicine is for, how to use it, and what special precautions you need to take. Don't worry. This preparation is meant to answer all your questions simply and clearly.
What kind of medicine is Zileuton?
Simply put, Zileuton is a medicine that helps prevent and control your asthma symptoms over the long term. It works by reducing the inflammation in your airways, or breathing passages. When this inflammation is reduced, it becomes much easier for you to breathe.
But there is something very important that you must remember here.
Zileuton is not a medicine to use when you have a sudden asthma attack, that is, when you have difficulty breathing (acute asthma attack). Your doctor may have given you a separate inhaler (rescue inhaler) to use in such an emergency. This medicine is not for that, it is to prevent the disease from coming on.
This means that you need to take this medicine exactly as your doctor tells you, even on days when you have no symptoms. Only then will you be able to control your asthma well.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine for you, he or she will need to know your complete health history. This will help them decide whether this medicine is right for you. Therefore, if any of the following apply to you, be sure to tell your doctor.
- If you are a regular drinker: Alcohol use can cause problems with this medicine.
- If you have liver disease: If you have any pre-existing liver disease, you should tell us about it.
- If you have any allergies: Please inform us if you have any allergies to Zileuton, any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: If you are pregnant or planning to have a baby in the near future, talk to your doctor before starting this medication.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother, you should also tell the doctor.
How to use the medicine correctly?
To get the most out of a medication, it is very important to use it correctly.
1. This is an oral tablet. Take this tablet with a glass of water .
2. Take the prescribed medication exactly as your doctor prescribes, at the prescribed time, and in the prescribed dosage.
3. It is best to take this medicine with a meal.
4. Very important: Do not break, crush, or chew this tablet. Swallow the tablet whole. Since these are extended-release tablets, breaking them may affect the effectiveness of the medication.
5. Do not take more medicine than the doctor tells you to.
6. Even if you feel better, do not stop taking your medication without your doctor's advice.
Should this medicine be given to children?
This medicine is sometimes recommended for children over 12 years of age. However, this is only a doctor's decision. Therefore, special care should be taken when giving this medicine to children.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
Imagine that you forgot or accidentally took too much of this medicine. If that happens , don't delay.
Go immediately to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Can this interact with other medications? (Drug Interactions)
Yes, this is a very important question. Zileuton can interact with some other medications you are taking. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies). Some things can affect the way this medication works.
| Type of medicine/substance | Should I be concerned? |
|---|---|
| Caffeine - (Contained in tea, coffee, and some soft drinks) | Yes, inform the doctor. |
| Propranolol - (a medicine for heart disease and high blood pressure) | Yes, inform the doctor. |
| Terfenadine | Yes, inform the doctor. |
| Theophylline or aminophylline - (another medicine for asthma) | Yes, inform the doctor. |
| Tizanidine | Yes, inform the doctor. |
| Warfarin - (a medicine that prevents blood clotting) | Yes, inform the doctor. |
This list is not complete, so it's safest to talk to your doctor about any medication you take.
Special things to be aware of when taking medication
- Regular medical check-ups: It is important to see your doctor regularly to check your condition. Tell your doctor if your asthma symptoms are getting worse.
- Blood tests: Your doctor may need to do blood work to monitor your liver function while you are taking this medication.
- Pay attention to mental health: This is very important. Some people may experience changes in their mental state and behavior while taking this medication. You and your family should be aware of this.
- If you have new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts .
- If you feel very anxious or agitated .
- Changes such as irritability, hostile, aggressive behavior .
- If you are experiencing insomnia .
If you or your family notice any of these mental changes, inform your doctor immediately. Don't take this lightly.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, Zileuton can cause some side effects. While most of these are minor, there are some things we should be especially aware of.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Severe allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, tarry stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, and extreme fatigue. |
| Mental and behavioral changes | Increased agitation, restlessness, mental confusion, hallucinations, irritability, suicidal thoughts, and depression. |
| Side effects that usually go away, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | General headache. |
| Muscle pain | Feeling like your body hurts. |
| Nausea/stomach discomfort | Feeling like your stomach is turning or mild stomach discomfort. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
How do you keep your medicine safe?
- Keep it safely out of the reach of children and pets .
- Keep at room temperature, that is, between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (20-25 C).
- Protect from direct light.
- Discard expired medication without using it.
Take-Home Message
- Zileuton is a medicine that is given to prevent asthma symptoms, not to treat asthma attacks.
- Always keep your rescue inhaler with you.
- Take this tablet with food. Swallow the tablet whole without breaking, crushing, or chewing.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms of liver damage (e.g., yellowing of the eyes, pain in the right side of the abdomen) or changes in mental status (e.g., extreme sadness, agitation).
- Never stop taking this medication without your doctor's advice.
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