Side Effects of Zafirlukast

Side effects of zafirlukast can include diarrhea, headaches, infections, and nausea. Although zafirlukast side effects are mostly minor -- requiring little or no treatment by you or your healthcare provider -- there are some more serious problems that you should report to your healthcare provider immediately. Notify your healthcare provider right away if you experience worsening of asthma, signs of an allergic reaction, or any signs of liver damage, among other serious side effects.

 

An Introduction to Side Effects of Zafirlukast

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with zafirlukast (Accolate®); however, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate zafirlukast well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with zafirlukast. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of zafirlukast side effects with you.)
 

Common Side Effects With Zafirlukast

Zafirlukast has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and are then compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. In these studies, the most common side effects of zafirlukast included:
 
  • Headaches -- in up to 12.9 percent of people
  • Infections -- up to 3.5 percent
  • Nausea -- up to 3.1 percent
  • Diarrhea -- up to 2.8 percent.
     
Some other common side effects (occurring in 1 percent to 2 percent of people) included:
 
  • General pain
  • Weakness
  • Abdominal pain (or stomach pain)
  • Accidental injury
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle pain
  • A fever
  • Back pain
  • Vomiting
  • Indigestion or heartburn.
     
(Side Effects of Zafirlukast Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;