Zileuton is used to prevent the symptoms of asthma, such as wheezing and shortness of breath. Zileuton works by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause the airways of the lungs to become inflamed and narrowed. This drug will not stop an asthma attack once it has started, but it does work to prevent acute attacks of asthma from occurring in the first place.

Zileuton Facts
Brand name (manufacturer): Zyflo (Abbott)

Type of drug: Antiasthmatic

Ingredient: Zileuton

Dosage form: Tablets (600 mg)

Storage: Store this medication at room temperature in a tightly closed, light-resistant container. Do not expose the medication to excess heat.

Treatment

Take this medication at the same time each day. Zileuton should be taken as directed by your doctor and used every day, even if you don't have any symptoms of asthma.

If you miss a dose of zileuton, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose of zileuton.

Side Effects

Minor: Nausea, stomach pain, upset stomach, or weakness. These side effects should diminish or disappear as your body adjusts to zileuton.

Major: Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about difficulty breathing, flulike symptoms, itching, loss of appetite, nausea, unusual tiredness, upper abdominal pain, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

Interactions

Zileuton may interact with certain other medications:

  • Zileuton may increase the serious side effects and actions of midazolam, triazolam, alprazolam, nifedipine, isradipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, nimodipine, propranolol, theophylline, carbamazepine, phenytoin, tolbutamide, and cyclosporine.

  • Zileuton may increase the actions of warfarin (a blood thinner) and increase the risk of bleeding.

  • To avoid drug interactions, do not take any over-the-counter (nonprescription) medications for weight control or for asthma, sinus problems, cough, cold, or allergy problems unless you first check with a doctor or pharmacist.

Before taking zileuton, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above.

Warnings

  • Be sure to tell your doctor about any unusual or allergic reactions you may have had to any medications, including zileuton, montelukast, or zafirlukast.

  • Tell your doctor about any medical problems you may have, especially liver or kidney problems or problems with alcohol or drug abuse.

  • When taking this medication, it is necessary for your doctor to test your blood regularly to see what effect zileuton is having on your liver.

  • IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT zileuton will not stop an asthma attack once it has begun. You should not stop taking your other asthma medications unless your doctor tells you to do so.

  • Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. When given at high doses, zileuton reduced the survival of some newborn animals. Studies in humans have not been done, and it is not known if zileuton is safe during human pregnancy. It is not known if zileuton passes into human breast milk. Because of the chance of long-term effects in infants, zileuton should not be used if you are breast-feeding an infant.