Zileuton is used in the prevention and long-term management of asthma.
Take Zileuton exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine is available as a conventional tablet or an extended-release tablet.
If you are taking the conventional tablet, you may take it with or without food. To make it easier to remember, take Zileuton as part of your daily routine such as with meals and at bedtime.
If you are taking the extended-release type of tablet, take this medicine with food or immediately after a meal. Swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet.
Try to take it at the same time each day.
Zileuton 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 the 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 an active liver disease or elevated liver enzymes based on repeated blood tests as Zileuton may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have a history of liver disease.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Notify your doctor if you consume large amounts of alcohol or if you are a frequent drinker.
Zileuton is not appropriate to be used to relieve sudden 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 a sudden asthma attack.
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.
- Your doctor may need to perform blood tests to make sure that your liver function is normal before you take this medicine and thereafter depending on your doctor's advice.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of liver problems and sleep or behavioural changes may also be needed.
Zileuton may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea, indigestion, stomach pain, constipation, muscle or joint pain, and throat pain or irritation.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- sleep problems, unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
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:
- theophylline (other medicine for asthma)
- propanolol (medicine for high blood pressure)
- warfarin (a blood-thinning medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Zileuton.
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.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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