Zileuton

Generic name: Zileuton
Brand names: Zyflo

Why is Zileuton prescribed?

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Zyflo tablets prevent and relieve the symptoms of chronic asthma. The drug works by relaxing the muscles in the walls of your airways, allowing them to open wider, and by reducing inflammation, swelling, and mucus secretion in the lungs.

Most important fact about Zileuton

Zyflo has been known to cause liver damage. Be sure to see your doctor every few months for liver function tests.

How should you take Zileuton?

Zyflo should be taken 4 times a day. Although you can take it with or without meals, it may be easier to remember if you take it with meals and at bedtime. Take Zyflo exactly as prescribed, even when symptoms subside.

While taking Zyflo, you should continue taking all other asthma medications your doctor has prescribed, unless directed otherwise. Do not decrease the dose or stop taking any of these drugs.

--If you miss a dose...

Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature, away from light.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Zyflo.

More common side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, headache, indigestion, loss of strength, muscle aches, nausea, pain

Why should Zileuton not be prescribed?

If you have liver disease, you should not take Zileuton. You should also avoid Zyflo if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it or its ingredients.

Special warnings about Zileuton

Zyflo will not help an acute asthma attack in which immediate opening of the airways is needed.

If you find that you have to use your other asthma medications--such as an inhaler--more often, report this to your doctor.

Because Zyflo can affect the liver, make sure your doctor is aware of any problems you've had in the past. Warn the doctor, too, if you're a heavy drinker. Your liver function will be tested before you start Zyflo, and regularly thereafter. Be sure to go in for these tests. If they reveal liver damage, you'll have to stop taking Zyflo. Also be sure to tell your doctor immediately if you develop any symptoms of liver disease. These include pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea, fatigue, lethargy, itching, general discomfort, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Zileuton

If Zyflo is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. You should check with your doctor before stopping or starting any prescription or nonprescription medicine. This is especially important with the following:

Astemizole (Hismanal)
Beta blockers (a type of heart and blood pressure medication) such as Inderal, Sectral, and Tenormin
Calcium channel blockers (another type of heart and blood pressure medication) such as Calan, Cardizem, and Procardia
Cisapride (Propulsid)
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
Terfenadine (Seldane)
Theophylline (Theo-Dur)
Warfarin (Coumadin)

While you are taking Zyflo, your theophylline dosage may need to be lowered, and your theophylline levels will have to be carefully watched. Dosages of Inderal may also need reduction, and warfarin dosages may need adjustment as well.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Zyflo in pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, ask your doctor whether you should continue taking Zyflo. It is not certain that the drug appears in breast milk, but taking Zyflo while nursing is not recommended. Discuss with your doctor whether it's best to stop taking the drug or to give up breastfeeding.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

The recommended dosage is one 600-milligram tablet 4 times a day.

CHILDREN

The safety and effectiveness of Zileuton in children under 12 years of age have not been established.

Overdosage

Because Zyflo is a relatively new drug, little is known about overdosage. However, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.