Zileuton Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 27, 2024.

Applies to zileuton: oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

Check with your doctor if you are using more inhalations (puffs) than usual of your inhaled bronchodilator to relieve an acute asthma attack.

You may be taking other medicines for asthma along with zileuton. Do not stop taking or reduce the dose of the other medicines, even if your asthma seems better, unless you are told to do so by your doctor.

You should limit the amount of alcohol you drink while you are taking this medicine.

This medicine may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed and have problems with sleep. If you or your caregiver notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor right away.

Common side effects of zileuton

Some side effects of zileuton may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Serious side effects of zileuton

Along with its needed effects, zileuton may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking zileuton:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to zileuton: oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

General adverse events

The most commonly occurring adverse reactions are sinusitis, nausea, and pharyngolaryngeal pain.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 24.6%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Hypertonia, nervousness, dizziness, somnolence^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus, urticaria^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Dyspepsia (8.2%), nausea (5.5%), diarrhea (5%), abdominal pain, upper abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, flatulence^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection, vaginitis^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Low white blood cell count (2.6%)^[Ref]

The WBC counts returned to normal or baseline following discontinuation of this drug. The clinical significance of these findings is not known.^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hepatotoxicity, ALT elevations (1.8%)
• Postmarketing reports: Hepatic injury, including death, life-threatening liver injury with recovery, symptomatic jaundice, hyperbilirubinemia, and elevations of ALT more than 8 times ULN^[Ref]

The majority of ALT elevations (82%) were reported within the first 3 months of treatment and resolved within 21 days for most of these patients after discontinuation of the drug. In the extended release group, the majority of ALT elevations (60%) occurred in the first month of treatment; in a few patients, the levels returned to less than 2 times ULN or normal within 9 and 12 days.

The hepatic function enzyme elevations did not result in any cases of jaundice, development of chronic liver disease, or death in this clinical trial. In patients who discontinued this drug, ALT levels dropped below 2 times ULN in approximately one month.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypersensitivity, rash^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Lymphadenopathy^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Myalgia (7%), arthralgia, neck pain/rigidity^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Conjunctivitis^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Pain (7.8%), asthenia (3.8%), accidental injury (3.4%), fever, malaise^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia
• Postmarketing reports: Sleep disorders, behavior changes^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Upper respiratory tract infections (9%), sinusitis (6.5%), pharyngolaryngeal pain (5%), chest pain^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Zileuton side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer