Zafirlukast

A healthcare provider may prescribe zafirlukast for the prevention of asthma attacks in both adults and children. While the medication cannot treat asthma attacks, it can improve breathing to help prevent attacks from occurring. Zafirlukast, which comes in tablet form and is available by prescription, is usually taken by mouth twice a day. Side effects of zafirlukast can include nausea, diarrhea, headaches, and infections.

 

What Is Zafirlukast?

Zafirlukast (Accolate®) is a prescription medication used to prevent asthma attacks in adults and children as young as five years old.
 
(Click What Is Zafirlukast Used For? for more information on zafirlukast uses, including possible off-label uses of the medication.)
 

Who Makes Zafirlukast?

Zafirlukast is made by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does Zafirlukast Work?

Zafirlukast is part of a group of medications called leukotriene modifiers. Leukotrienes are chemicals produced by the body in response to allergens or other problems. In the lungs, leukotrienes cause swelling and inflammation in the airways and constriction of the muscles of the respiratory tract.
 
Zafirlukast works by blocking leukotriene receptors, which prevents leukotriene chemicals from causing asthma symptoms.
 

Zafirlukast Effects

In previous studies of zafirlukast for asthma, people taking zafirlukast had improved breathing and fewer daytime and nighttime asthma symptoms, compared to those not taking the medicine. Zafirlukast was also shown to be safe and effective for treating asthma in children as young as five years old.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;