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Drug Interactions between montelukast and zafirlukast

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

zafirlukast montelukast

Applies to: zafirlukast and montelukast

MONITOR: Coadministration with inhibitors of CYP450 2C8 and/or 2C9 may increase the plasma concentrations of montelukast, which is metabolized by these isoenzymes in addition to CYP450 3A4. When montelukast was administered with the potent CYP450 2C8/2C9 inhibitor gemfibrozil, montelukast systemic exposure (AUC) increased by 4.4-fold. The addition of itraconazole, a potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, to gemfibrozil and montelukast did not further increase the AUC of montelukast. Administration of itraconazole alone with montelukast also resulted in no significant increase in the AUC of montelukast, which would suggest that montelukast is primarily metabolized by CYP450 2C8 and 2C9 in vivo.

MANAGEMENT: According to the product labeling, no dosage adjustment of montelukast is required when used in combination with gemfibrozil. However, it may be advisable to monitor patients for potentially increased adverse effects during coadministration with gemfibrozil or other CYP450 2C8/2C9 inhibitors.

References (2)
  1. (2001) "Product Information. Singulair (montelukast)." Merck & Co., Inc
  2. Karonen T, Filppula A, Laitila J, Niemi M, Neuvonen PJ, Backman JT (2010) "Gemfibrozil Markedly Increases the Plasma Concentrations of Montelukast: A Previously Unrecognized Role for CYP2C8 in the Metabolism of Montelukast." Clin Pharmacol Ther

Drug and food interactions

Moderate

zafirlukast food

Applies to: zafirlukast

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food may reduce the oral absorption and bioavailability of zafirlukast. In two separate studies, one using a high-fat and the other a high-protein meal, administration of zafirlukast with food reduced the mean bioavailability by approximately 40%.

MANAGEMENT: To ensure maximal oral absorption, zafirlukast should be administered at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

References (1)
  1. (2001) "Product Information. Accolate (zafirlukast)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals

Therapeutic duplication warnings

Therapeutic duplication is the use of more than one medicine from the same drug category or therapeutic class to treat the same condition. This can be intentional in cases where drugs with similar actions are used together for demonstrated therapeutic benefit. It can also be unintentional in cases where a patient has been treated by more than one doctor, or had prescriptions filled at more than one pharmacy, and can have potentially adverse consequences.

Duplication

Leukotriene modifiers

Therapeutic duplication

The recommended maximum number of medicines in the 'leukotriene modifiers' category to be taken concurrently is usually one. Your list includes two medicines belonging to the 'leukotriene modifiers' category:

  • montelukast
  • zafirlukast

Note: In certain circumstances, the benefits of taking this combination of drugs may outweigh any risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or dosage.

See also

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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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