Zafirlukast, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Generic and brand names: zafirlukast, oral; Accolate

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to treat long-term asthma and to help prevent asthma attacks. It is not intended for use during asthma attacks.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

You should not take this medicine if you have liver disease. Talk to your health care provider about this.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you are taking this medicine.

How do I take it?

This medicine is usually taken twice a day. Take it 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Take this medicine regularly as directed by your health care provider, even when you are not having symptoms of asthma. Do not reduce the dosage or stop taking your asthma medicines unless directed by your health care provider.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your health care provider.

What should I watch out for?

This medicine will not stop an asthma attack that has already started. Take this medicine as prescribed to help prevent attacks. You will need to have another medicine that will work quickly during asthma attacks. Your health care provider will explain your need for more than one medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report this to your health care provider right away): Respiratory infection.

Other: Headache, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, vomiting, abdominal pain, general pain, back pain, fever.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:

• aspirin
• erythromycin (Erythrocin, E.E.S., EryPed)
• theophylline
• warfarin (Coumadin).

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.