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n.

A drug that inhibits leukotriene formation, reduces the inflammatory process, and is used in the treatment of asthma.

[zi- (perhaps shortening and alteration of ENZYME) + LEU(KO)T(RIENE) + –ON³.]

Brand names: Zyflo®

Chemical formula:

Drug Forms:
• Zileuton tablets (below)
• Zileuton extended-release tablets

Español:
• Tabletas de zileuton

Zileuton tablets

What are zileuton tablets?

Zileuton (Zyflo®) is used to treat asthma. It helps to reduce recurring symptoms of asthma, but it is not for rapid relief of asthma attacks. Generic zileuton tablets are not available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• liver disease
• a history of alcoholism
• fever or infection
• an unusual or allergic reaction to zileuton, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take zileuton tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Zileuton may be taken with meals and at bedtime. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with zileuton?

• alosetron
• astemizole
• bosentan
• caffeine
• carbamazepine
• certain drugs for anxiety, insomnia, or difficulty sleeping (such as alprazolam, diazepam, midazolam, or triazolam)
• certain drugs used to lower cholesterol (atorvastatin, cerivastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin)
• certain drugs used for HIV infection or AIDS (such as indinavir, ritonavir, or saquinavir)
• certain heart or high blood pressure medicines (such as bepridil, diltiazem, felodipine, lidocaine, nicardipine, nifedipine, nimodipine, nisoldipine, propranolol, quinidine, or verapamil)
• cisapride
• clarithromycin or erythromycin
• cyclosporine
• donepezil
• doxercalciferol
• ergot alkaloids (such as dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methysergide or methylergonovine)
• guarana
• imatinib, STI-571
• paricalcitol
• pimozide
• ramelteon
• sirolimus
• steroid drugs (such as prednisone, hydrocortisone, dexamethasone)
• tacrolimus
• terfenadine
• theophylline or aminophylline
• voriconazole
• warfarin
• went yeast
• zonisamide

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking zileuton?

It is important that you go on taking your medicine even when you do not have any asthma symptoms. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your asthma symptoms do not start to improve after several days. Only stop taking zileuton on your prescriber's advice.

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Liver tests will need to be done on a regular basis while taking zileuton.

What side effects may I notice from taking zileuton?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• chest pain
• difficulty breathing, wheezing
• flu-like symptoms (chills, fatigue, fever, muscle aches)
• nausea
• pruritus
• skin rash or itching
• unusual weakness or tiredness
• yellowing of the skin
Call your prescriber or health care professional immediately if you get any of these side effects.

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• back pain
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dyspepsia
• headache
• insomnia
• numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• stomach pain
• weakness

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

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