Zileuton
About Zileuton
Zileuton belongs to the class of drugs called leukotriene synthesis inhibitors used to prevent asthma attacks and for chronic (long-term) treatment of asthma in adults and children aged 12 years and above. Asthma is a chronic (long-term) respiratory condition in which airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, leading to difficulty in breathing.
Zileuton contains Zileuton, which works by blocking the production of leukotrienes (chemicals released by the body responsible for asthma). Thus, it prevents shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing due to asthma.
Take Zileuton as prescribed. You are advised to take Zileuton for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. Sometimes, Zileuton may cause common side effects such as throat pain, headache, nose and throat irritation, muscle pains, diarrhoea, nausea, upper respiratory infection and sinusitis(sinus infection). Most of these side effects of Zileuton do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Please tell your doctor if you are allergic to Zileuton or any other medicines. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to inform your doctor before using Zileuton. Avoid taking Zileuton if you have active liver disease. Zileuton may cause sleep disorders and changes in your behaviour. Hence, if you have any sleep problems or changes in behaviour, tell your doctor.
Uses of Zileuton
Medicinal Benefits
Zileuton contains Zileuton used to prevent asthma attacks and for long-term management of asthma in adults and children 12 years of age and above. It blocks the production of chemicals released by the body responsible for asthma. Thus, it prevents shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing due to asthma.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Zileuton
- Throat pain
- Headache
- Nose and throat irritation
- Muscle pain
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Upper respiratory infection
- Sinusitis(sinus infection)
Drug Warnings
Please tell your doctor if you are allergic to Zileuton or any other medicines. If you need to use your rescue medicine more often than usual or if you use the highest number of puffs prescribed for one 24-hour period, contact your doctor immediately, as these might be signs indicating that your asthma is worsening. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to inform your doctor before using Zileuton. Avoid taking Zileuton if you have active liver disease. Zileuton may cause sleep disorders and changes in your behaviour. Hence, if you have any sleep problems or changes in behaviour, tell your doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Drug-Food Interaction: St. John’s wort and grapefruit products should be used with caution as they may increase or decrease the metabolism of Zileuton.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Avoid taking Zileuton if you have active liver disease or repeated blood tests showing elevated liver enzymes (substances released by the liver). If you have ever had liver problems, including jaundice (yellow eyes or skin), hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), or dark urine, inform your doctor before taking Zileuton.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid excessive or chronic alcohol consumption while taking Zileuton.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorPlease consult a doctor if you are pregnant. Zileuton is given to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks the benefits of this medicine are greater than the risks to the unborn baby.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Zileuton is excreted in human milk. Hence, if you are a nursing mother, inform your doctor before taking Zileuton so that your doctor will decide if you should take Zileuton or breastfeed, as doing both is not recommended.
Driving
consult your doctorIt is unknown if Zileuton affects your ability to drive. Hence, drive only if you are alert after taking Zileuton.
Liver
unsafeZileuton is not recommended if you have active liver disease as it may worsen the condition. Therefore, inform your doctor if you have any liver problems before taking Zileuton.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have kidney disease/condition, inform your doctor before taking Zileuton.
Children
unsafeZileuton is not recommended for children below 12 years. It is advised for children of 12 years of age and above.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat foods rich in potassium, such as tomatoes, bananas, asparagus, oranges, potatoes, avocados, dark leafy greens, and beetroot, as potassium is important for lung function. A potassium deficiency may cause breathing problems.
- Drink plenty of fluids daily to thin mucus, which makes it easier to cough out.
- Avoid foods such as cabbage, beans, garlic, onions, shrimp, pickled food, dried fruits, fried foods, carbonated drinks, wine, and bottled lemon and lime juice, as it may worsen asthma symptoms.
- Exercise regularly to strengthen your breathing muscles and boost your immune system. Learning breathing exercises will help you move more air in and out of your lungs.
- Do meditation, deep breathing, regular exercise, and try progressive muscle relaxation techniques to get relief from stress and reduce the risk of an asthma attack.
- Quit smoking as it may reduce the effectiveness of the medicine and irritate the lungs, worsening breathing problems.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Asthma: It is a chronic (long-term) respiratory condition in which airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, leading to difficulty in breathing. The symptoms of asthma include wheezing (whistling sound while breathing), shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough, especially at night. The symptoms of mild persistent asthma may occur more than two times a week and up to four nights in a month, whereas, in the case of severe persistent asthma, the symptoms occur several times every day and most nights. The treatment for asthma includes medication, breathing exercises, and self-care.
FAQs
Zileuton is used to prevent asthma attacks and long-term management of asthma.
Zileuton contains Zileuton, which works by blocking the production of leukotrienes (chemicals released by the body responsible for asthma). Thus, it prevents shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing due to asthma.
You are not recommended to stop taking Zileuton without consulting your doctor as it may worsen the condition or cause recurring symptoms. Therefore, take Zileuton for as long as your doctor has prescribed it, and if you experience any difficulty while taking Zileuton, please consult your doctor.
Zileuton is not a rescue medicine and should not be used to treat sudden asthma attacks. Therefore, it is advised to carry a rescue inhaler always to treat sudden asthma attacks.
