See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Zafirlukast
What is zafirlukast, and what is it prescribed for?
Zafirlukast is a prescription medicine used to prevent symptoms of asthma. It belongs to the leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) class, which works by blocking leukotrienes—chemical signals that contribute to airway inflammation and narrowing.
What does a typical zafirlukast prescription look like?
Prescriptions vary by patient, but zafirlukast is commonly taken as an oral tablet on a scheduled daily dosing regimen to prevent asthma symptoms rather than to treat sudden asthma attacks.
If your prescriber gave you a specific schedule, follow that exactly and use only the dose and frequency on your label.
How should patients take zafirlukast (timing with food and other meds)?
Zafirlukast instructions often include taking it at specific times in relation to meals; food can affect how the drug is absorbed. Many asthma medicines also have interaction considerations, so it’s important to tell your pharmacist about all other prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements you take.
If you share your exact dose and directions from your bottle (for example, “take ___ mg twice daily”), I can help interpret what the label means.
What side effects are patients usually warned about?
Commonly reported side effects can include headache and gastrointestinal symptoms. Patients are also typically advised to stop and seek medical advice if they develop signs of serious liver problems (for example, unusual fatigue, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin/eyes), since leukotriene receptor antagonists have been associated with liver injury in some patients.
Who should avoid zafirlukast or use extra caution?
People with liver disease need extra caution and monitoring. Zafirlukast also has drug-interaction potential, so prescribers and pharmacists consider current medications (including other asthma therapies and drugs that may affect liver metabolism).
Is zafirlukast covered by generic availability?
Zafirlukast is available as a prescription medicine and is commonly available as a generic. For patent/exclusivity and drug-market details, DrugPatentWatch.com tracks information related to branded and generic competition.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/