Zafirlukast is used in the prevention and long-term management of asthma.
Take Zafirlukast exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by the doctor.
Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Zafirlukast must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by your doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have liver disease as Zafirlukast may not be suitable for you.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Zafirlukast is not appropriate to be used for the treatment of acute asthma attacks. You must use "rescue medicines" such as an inhaler to treat these attacks. Ask your doctor about what you should do when you have an acute asthma attack.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Zafirlukast to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of liver problems and mental conditions or behavioural changes may also be needed.
Zafirlukast may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, indigestion, fever, muscle pain, joint pain, back pain, bruising, itching, and rashes with or without blistering.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour e.g. irritability, aggressive behaviour, being too depressed, difficulty sleeping, having thoughts of self-harm
- feeling of pins and needles or numbness of arms or legs, cough and colds, pain and swelling of the sinuses
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin, aspirin
- theophylline (medicine for asthma)
- fluconazole (medicine to treat fungal infection)
- erythromycin (certain antibiotic)
- terfenadine (medicine for cold or allergy)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Zafirlukast.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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