Zafirlukast
Pronouncation: (zah-fur-LOO-cast)Class: Leukotriene receptor antagonist
Trade Names:
Accolate
- Tablets 10 mg
- Tablets 20 mg
Pharmacology
 | ||||||
Feedback for Zafirlukast
Compare with other drugs. | ||||||
Inhibits 3 leukotriene receptor types. Leukotrienes have been associated with the longer, inflammatory component of asthma.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed. T max is 3 h. Bioavailability is unknown. Administration with food reduced the mean bioavailability about 40%.
Distribution
At least 99% bound to proteins (predominantly albumin). Vd is 70ߙL. Minimal distribution across blood-brain barrier.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized. Most common metabolic products are hydroxylated metabolites, which are excreted in feces. These metabolites are formed through the CYP-450 2C9 pathway. Inhibits CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 isoenzymes.
Elimination
Oral Cl is about 20 L/h. Biliary route is primary route of excretion. Urinary excretion accounts for about 10% of the dose, while the rest is excreted in feces. The terminal t ½ is about 10 h. The plasma t ½ is about 8 to 16 h.
Special Populations
Hepatic Function ImpairmentApproximately 50% to 60% greater C max and AUC compared with healthy subjects.
ElderlyOral Cl decreases with age. In patients older than 65 yr of age, there are about 2- to 3-fold greater C max and AUC compared with young adults.
Indications and Usage
Prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma in adults and children 5 yr of age and older.
Contraindications
Standard considerations.
Dosage and Administration
Adults and Children 12 yr of age or olderPO 20 mg twice daily.
Children 5 to 11ߙyr of agePO 10 mg twice daily.
General Advice
- Not to be used for the acute treatment of bronchospasm or asthma symptoms.
- May be used alone or in combination with bronchodilators and inhaled or systemic corticosteroids.
- Administer prescribed dose 1 h before or 2 h after meals.
Storage/Stability
Store tablets at controlled room temperature (68° to 77°F). Protect from light and moisture.
Drug Interactions
AspirinIncreased zafirlukast plasma levels.
Erythromycin, theophyllineLowered zafirlukast plasma concentrations.
WarfarinZafirlukast potentiates the hypoprothrombinemic effect of warfarin. Significant increase in the PT may result.
Laboratory Test Interactions
None well documented.
Adverse Reactions
CNS
Headache (13%); dizziness (2%).
GI
Nausea, diarrhea (3%); vomiting (2%); dyspepsia (1%).
Hematologic
Agranulocytosis.
Hepatic
ALT elevations (2%).
Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity (including urticaria, angioedema, rashes).
Musculoskeletal
Myalgia (2%).
Miscellaneous
Infection (4%); pain, asthenia, abdominal pain, accidental injury, fever, back pain (2%).
Precautions
Pregnancy
Category B .
Lactation
Excreted in breast milk.
Children
Safety and efficacy in children younger than 5 yr of age not established.
Elderly
Drug Cl decreases with age.
Acute asthma
Zafirlukast is not effective in treating acute asthmatic symptoms, but it can be continued during these times.
Infections
Elderly patients experienced an increased frequency of infections (primarily respiratory) compared with placebo-treated patients. These appeared to be associated with coadministration of inhaled corticosteroids.
Overdosage
Symptoms
Rash, upset stomach.
Patient Information
- Advise patient to take each dose on an empty stomach, either 1 h before or 2 h after meals.
- Advise patient to continue taking other medications for asthma as prescribed by health care provider.
- Warn patient that drug is an asthma controller and is not to be used to treat an acute asthma attack. Advise patient to continue to take zafirlukast during an acute attack but to use rescue medication (bronchodilator) to obtain rapid relief of asthma symptoms.
- Instruct patient not to stop the medication once symptoms have been controlled. Continued daily use is necessary to control symptoms.
- Advise patient not to change the dose or stop using unless advised by health care provider.
- Instruct patient not to exceed prescribed dose. Advise patient to contact health care provider if this medication no longer seems to control asthma symptoms.
- Advise patient to discontinue therapy and contact health care provider immediately if any of the following occur: persistent nausea; unexplained fatigue; excessive sleepiness or drowsiness; stomach pain; flu-like symptoms; itching; yellowing of skin or eyes; appetite loss.
- Advise patient to carry medical identification (eg, card, bracelet) indicating asthma.
 |
Link to Page |  |
Print Page |  |
Email Page |  | Add to List |
More Zafirlukast resources:
Zafirlukast - Includes detailed dosage instructions.
