Do you have asthma? Your doctor may have prescribed you a medication called Zileuton to help control your asthma. It is also commonly known by the brand name Zyflo. So today, let's talk briefly about what this medication is for, how to use it, and what you need to be careful about.
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 swelling and inflammation in your airways. When this swelling is reduced, it becomes much easier for you to breathe.
But this is not a medicine to use in case of an asthma attack. That is, it is not useful to take this pill when you suddenly have difficulty breathing. Your doctor may have given you a separate inhaler (rescue inhaler) to use in such an emergency. This Zileuton is only used to prevent asthma attacks on a daily basis.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before giving you this medicine. Therefore, if any of the following apply to you, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
- If you are a frequent drinker .
- If you have any liver disease .
- If you have allergies to Zileuton or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or expecting a baby soon .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medication is suitable for you or not.
The medicine should be used in the right way.
To get the most out of a medication, it is essential to use it properly.
- These pills should be taken by mouth. Make it a habit to take them at the same time every day, if possible .
- You can take it before or after meals. However, if you feel a little uncomfortable or burning in your stomach after drinking this, take it with a meal .
- You may have noticed that some tablets have a small line in the middle. This is called a 'scored line'. If there is such a line, and you have difficulty swallowing the tablet, you can break it exactly in half and swallow both pieces. But remember, you should swallow both pieces at the same time. Do not swallow just one piece and keep the rest.
- Doctors sometimes prescribe this medicine even for children over the age of 12. But only under special supervision.
- Continue to take this medicine as prescribed, even on days when you have no symptoms. Never stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.
What if I take too much medicine by mistake? (Overdose)
If this happens, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Otherwise, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital as soon as possible.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If this happens, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Some other medications you take may interact with Zileuton and change the way those medications or Zileuton work. So it's important to tell your doctor about everything you're taking.
| Drugs/substances that may interact | Description |
|---|---|
| Caffeine | It is contained in coffee, tea, and some soft drinks. |
| Propranolol | A medicine for high blood pressure and heart disease. |
| Theophylline or Aminophylline | Other medications given for asthma. |
| Warfarin | A medicine given to prevent blood clotting. |
| Tizanidine | A medicine given to relax muscles. |
This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about all medications, herbs, and vitamins you take. Also, don't forget to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be especially careful about when taking medication
- See your doctor regularly: Go to the clinic on scheduled days to see if the medication is working for you and if any changes need to be made. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, tell them.
- Blood tests: Your doctor may need to do blood tests to check your liver function while you are taking this medicine.
- Pay attention to your mental health: This is very important. Some people taking this medication may experience changes in their mood. If you or your family member develops new or worsening symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, agitation, irritability, or insomnia , you should be aware of this. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any such changes.
Possible side effects
Like any medicine, Zileuton can cause some side effects. Some of them are serious, while others are common.
| Side effects that should be reported to the 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, and extreme fatigue. |
| Mood Changes | Agitation, restlessness, confusion, seeing/hearing things that are not real, irritability, suicidal thoughts, depression. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | (Headache) |
| Muscle pain | (Muscle pain) |
| Nausea | (Nausea) |
| Stomach ache | (Upset stomach) |
How do you store and dispose of medication safely?
- Keep medicine out of the reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius), in a dry place away from direct light.
- Do not use expired medications . Dispose of them properly. Some pharmacies have programs to take back unwanted medications. Otherwise, mix the pills with something like coffee grounds or cat litter, put them in a bag, seal it tightly, and throw it in the trash. Do not flush any medications down the toilet.
Take-Home Message
- Zileuton is a medicine given to prevent asthma, not to treat an asthma attack.
- Always keep your rescue inhaler with you.
- Before you start taking this medicine, tell your doctor about any liver disease you have, allergies, and all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience symptoms of liver damage (yellowing of the skin, dark urine) or mental changes (depression, agitation) while taking the medication, inform your doctor immediately.
- Do not stop taking the medication without your doctor's advice.
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