Zafirlukast

Zafirlukast is a prescription asthma medication used for long-term asthma control in adults and children 5 years of age and older. It is a leukotriene receptor antagonist, also called an LTRA, and is taken by mouth as a tablet.

• Generic for Accolate®
• Used for chronic asthma treatment and prevention-focused care
• Not an inhaler, DPI, or nebulizer
• Not used for sudden asthma attacks or quick breathing relief
• A licensed provider decides whether it fits your asthma treatment plan

Zafirlukast should not replace a rescue inhaler or other asthma medications unless your healthcare provider tells you to make a change.

Zafirlukast is taken by mouth on a regular schedule as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It should be used consistently, even during times when your asthma symptoms feel controlled.

• Take it at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals
• Do not use it to treat sudden breathing problems
• Keep rescue medication available if your provider has prescribed it
• Do not change your dose or stop other asthma medicines without provider guidance
• Tell your provider about liver problems, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and all medicines you take

Food can reduce how much zafirlukast your body absorbs, so meal timing matters.

Zafirlukast can cause side effects. Some possible side effects include headache, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, dizziness, fever, infection, vomiting, general pain, weakness, or indigestion.

• Contact your provider right away for signs of liver problems, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, right upper stomach pain, unusual tiredness, itching, flu-like symptoms, or loss of appetite
• Tell your provider if you notice mood changes, sleep problems, depression, rash, hives, swelling, or worsening breathing
• Seek urgent care for severe allergic symptoms or breathing symptoms that feel sudden, serious, or unsafe
• People with liver problems should not use zafirlukast
• Women who are breastfeeding should not take zafirlukast

See Important Safety / Prescribing Information for full detail.

Zafirlukast is used as a regular, long-term asthma medication for adults and children 5 years of age and older. It is taken by mouth as a tablet and is not an inhaler.

This treatment is meant for ongoing asthma control, not sudden breathing symptoms. A licensed provider will review your asthma history, current medicines, and safety factors before deciding whether zafirlukast may be appropriate.

Tell the provider if you have liver problems, are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. People with liver problems should not use zafirlukast, and women who are breastfeeding should not take it.

Also share all medicines and supplements you take, especially warfarin, erythromycin, theophylline, or fluconazole. This helps the provider check for safety concerns before prescribing.

Yes. Zafirlukast requires a prescription. Online access still starts with a licensed provider reviewing your health information.

If treatment is appropriate, the provider may prescribe it for pharmacy fulfillment. If it is not appropriate, they may recommend a different next step based on your asthma needs and safety profile.

No. Zafirlukast is not for sudden asthma attacks and should not be used for quick breathing relief.

Use your rescue medication as directed by your provider. Seek urgent medical help if your breathing symptoms are severe, getting worse, or not improving with your usual rescue treatment.

Zafirlukast should be taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Food can reduce how much medicine your body absorbs.

Follow your prescription directions carefully. Do not change your dose, stop zafirlukast, or stop other asthma medicines unless your provider tells you to.

Contact your provider right away if you notice possible liver warning signs, such as right upper stomach pain, nausea, unusual tiredness, itching, yellowing of the skin or eyes, flu-like symptoms, or loss of appetite.

These symptoms need prompt medical attention while taking zafirlukast.

Mood, sleep, or behavior changes have been reported with zafirlukast, including insomnia and depression.

Tell your provider if you notice new or worsening mood changes, sleep problems, depression, unusual behavior, rash, swelling, or worsening breathing while taking this medication.

Zafirlukast Tablets - official prescribing information covering indications, dosage, contraindications, warnings, adverse reactions, and safety information. / Source: DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine Link: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=8bdb47c5-9d19-4d59-94c8-62c117525e7f / Updated: December 1, 2023.