Zafirlukast is a prescription drug licensed for preventing asthma attacks in adults and children. This eMedTV Web page further describes zafirlukast and provides detailed information on its effects, dosing guidelines, and possible side effects.
Headaches, infections, and nausea are some of the most common side effects of zafirlukast. As this eMedTV article explains, there are also some serious zafirlukast side effects that you should report to your doctor (such as worsening of asthma).
What is zafirlukast used for? As this page on the eMedTV Web site explains, zafirlukast is used for the prevention of asthma attacks in both adults and children. Occasionally, it can also be used "off-label" for the treatment of allergies.
The recommended zafirlukast dose for adults and children over 12 years old is 20 mg twice a day. This eMedTV resource also covers zafirlukast dosing for children ages 5 to 11 and provides some tips on when and how to take the drug.
Phenytoin and warfarin are among the drugs that can potentially interact with zafirlukast. This eMedTV page describes how drug interactions with zafirlukast can alter the levels of some drugs in your blood, possibly raising your risk of side effects.
Zafirlukast can cause liver damage in some people. This part of the eMedTV library contains other important precautions and warnings with zafirlukast, including the safety of taking the drug while nursing and people who should not take it at all.
