Do you have asthma? You probably know that annoying wheezing sound when you breathe, and the feeling of being suffocated. Living with asthma can be a challenge at times. So, Zileuton is a medication that doctors use to control this asthma condition long-term. In this article, we will talk about it.
Simply put, what is this drug called Zileuton?
Zileuton is a medication that is used to prevent and control your asthma symptoms long-term. It works by reducing inflammation in our airways. Think of it this way: our airways are like tubes that carry air. In someone with asthma, these tubes become swollen from the inside. Then the airways become narrower, making it harder to breathe. So what Zileuton does is reduce that swelling and make it easier to breathe again.
But this is very important: Zileuton is not a medicine to use when you have a sudden asthma attack, that is, when you have a heart attack. In such an emergency, you should only use the quick-relief inhaler (rescue inhaler) that your doctor has prescribed. Zileuton is a controller medicine that you take every day to prevent asthma attacks.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before you start taking Zileuton, you should definitely talk to your doctor about these things, as this information is very important for your safety.
- If you are a regular drinker .
- If you have any liver disease .
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to Zileuton or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or expecting a baby .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
By telling your doctor this information without hiding it, he can choose the most appropriate and safest treatment for you.
How exactly should I use this medicine?
To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it correctly.
1. Take with a glass of water: Swallow this pill whole with a glass of water.
2. Take with food: It is best to take this medicine with a meal. Usually, doctors will tell you to take it after breakfast and dinner.
3. Do not break, crush, or chew the pill: This is very important. This type of pill is designed to be 'Extended-Release'. This means that the medicine is released into the body over a period of hours. If you break, crush, or chew the pill and swallow it, that process is disrupted, and you could receive a large dose of the medicine at once. This increases the risk of side effects. So swallow the pill whole.
4. Take it on time: Get in the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day. If you set a time like 8 am and 8 pm, you're less likely to forget.
5. Don't stop taking your medication without your doctor's advice: Don't stop taking your medication suddenly, thinking you're feeling better. Doing so can make your asthma worse. If you do stop, do so only under your doctor's advice.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
We all forget to take our medicine sometimes. If that happens, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is very close to the time of your next dose and you remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
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 without delay.
Things to be especially careful about when taking medicine
It's a good idea to pay a little attention to your body while taking this medicine.
- Regular medical checkups: Go to your doctor on the days he or she tells you to. You may be asked to take a blood test to check your liver function.
- Be prepared for an emergency asthma attack: As we mentioned earlier, this medication is not for emergencies. So always keep your rescue inhaler with you. Ask your doctor how to use it.
- Other medications: Tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking (pills for other conditions, herbal remedies, Ayurvedic medicines, vitamins) along with Zileuton. Some medications may interact with Zileuton. For example:
- Things that contain caffeine
- Propranolol
- Theophylline
- Warfarin
- Tizanidine
- Be aware of your mental health: Although this is rare, some people may experience changes in their mental state while taking this medication. If you or your family member notices any of these, tell your doctor immediately.
- New or worsening depression .
- Thoughts of harming yourself.
- Frequent anxiety and restlessness.
- Restlessness, quick anger.
- Insomnia.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, Zileuton can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. The table below will help you understand this more clearly.
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Side effect | Symptoms |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Liver Injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark yellow/brown urine, unusual tiredness. |
| Changes in mental status | Severe anxiety, agitation, depression, suicidal thoughts, irritability. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | General headache. |
| Muscle pain | Feeling like your body hurts. |
| Stomach ache | Nausea, stomach ache, etc. |
Take-Home Message
- Zileuton is a long-term asthma control medication. It should not be used for an asthma attack.
- Swallow this tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it for any reason.
- If you have liver disease or if you drink alcohol frequently, be sure to tell your doctor about this.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs of liver damage, such as yellowing of the eyes or skin, pain in the right side of the stomach, dark urine, or changes in mental status .
- Avoid stopping medication without your doctor's advice, even if you think you're feeling better.
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