Zafirlukast is a selective and competitive leukotriene-receptor antagonist (LTRA) of leukotriene D4 and E4 (LTD4 and LTE4), components of slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRSA). Cysteinyl leukotriene production and receptor occupation have been correlated with the pathophysiology of asthma, including airway oedema, smooth muscle constriction, and altered cellular activity associated with the inflammatory process, which contribute to the signs and symptoms of asthma.

Zafirlukast is indicated for the prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma in adults and children 5 years of age and older.

Zafirlukast should be taken continuously.

Children under 7 years of age: There is no clinical experience of the use of Zafirlukast in children under 7 years of age until safety information is available.

Children over 7 years through 11 years of age: The recommended dose of Zafirlukast in this age group is 10 mg twice daily.

Adult and children aged 12 years and over: The dosage is one 20 mg tablet twice daily. This dosage should not be exceeded. Higher doses may be associated with elevations of one or more liver enzymes consistent with hepatotoxicity. As food may reduce the bioavailability of Zafirlukast, Zafirlukast should not be taken with meals

Elderly: The clearance of Zafirlukast is significantly reduced in elderly patients (over 65 years old), and Cmax and AUC are approximately double than those of younger adults. However, accumulation of Zafirlukast is not greater than that seen in multiple dose trials conducted in adult subjects with asthma and the consequences of the altered kinetic in the elderly are unknown. Clinical experience with Zafirlukast in the elderly (over 65 years) is limited and caution is recommended until further information is available.

Renal impairment: No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with mild renal impairment.

Zafirlukast should not be given to patients who have previously experienced hypersensitivity to the product or any of its ingredients. Zafirlukast is contraindicated in patients with a history of moderate or severe renal impairment. Zafirlukast is contraindicated in patients with hepatic impairment or cirrhosis; it has not been studied in patients with hepatitis or in long term studies of patients with cirrhosis. Zafirlukast is contraindicated in children under 7 years of age until safety information is available.

Effect on ability to drive or operate machinery: There is no evidence that Zafirlukast affects the ability to drive and use machinery. Administration of Zafirlukast in clinical trials against placebo has been associated with headache (9.9% vs. 9.0%) or gastrointestinal disturbance (nausea 2.6% vs. 2.2%, vomiting 1.2% vs. 1.0%, diarrhoea 2.3% vs. 1.8%, abdominal pain 1.6% vs. 1.2%). These symptoms are usually mild and do not necessitate withdrawal from therapy. During post-marketing experience, bruising, bleeding disorders, including menorrhagia (rare), thrombocytopaenia and agranulocytosis (very rare) have also been reported.

Hypersensitivity reactions, including urticaria and angio-oedema have been reported. Rashes, including blistering, have also been reported. The above events have usually resolved during continued treatment or following cessation of therapy.

Infrequently, elevated serum transaminase levels have been observed in clinical trials against placebo with Zafirlukast (increased AST 1.0% vs. 0.9%, increased AST 0.6% vs. 0.6%); at recommended doses the incidence was equivalent to placebo. Rarely the transaminase profile has been consistent with drug-induced hepatitis, which resolved following cessation of Zafirlukast therapy. During post-marketing experience there have been rare reports of hepatitis, with or without elevated bilirubin levels. These cases were usually reversible.

In placebo controlled clinical trials, an increased incidence of infection has been observed in elderly patients given Zafirlukast (7.8% vs. 1.4%). Infections were usually mild, predominantly affecting the respiratory tract.

Zafirlukast should be taken regularly to achieve benefit, even during symptom free periods. Zafirlukast therapy should normally be continued during acute exacerbations of asthma. Zafirlukast does not allow a reduction in existing steroid treatment. As with inhaled steroids and hormones (disodium cromoglycate, nedocromil sodium), Zafirlukast is not indicated for use in the reversal of bronchospasm in acute asthma attacks. Zafirlukast has not been evaluated in the treatment of labile (brittle) or unstable asthma.

Cases of Churg Strauss syndrome have been reported in association with Zafirlukast usage. A causal relationship has neither been confirmed nor refuted. If a patient develops a Churg Strauss syndrome type illness, Zafirlukast should be stopped, a re-challenge test should not be performed and treatment should not be restarted.

Elevations in serum transaminases can occur during treatment with Zafirlukast. These are usually asymptomatic and transient but could represent early evidence of hepatotoxicity.

If clinical symptoms or signs suggestive of liver dysfunction occur (e.g., nausea, vomiting, right upper quadrant pain, fatigue, lethargy, flu-like symptoms, enlarged liver, pruritus and jaundice), the serum transaminases, in particular serum ALT, should be measured and the patient managed accordingly. A decision to discontinue Zafirlukast should be individualized to the patient’s condition, weighing the risk of hepatic dysfunction against the clinical benefit of Zafirlukast to the patient.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy: The safety of Zafirlukast in human pregnancy has not been established. In animal studies, Zafirlukast did not have any apparent effect on fertility and did not appear to have any teratogenic or selective toxic effect on the foetus. The potential risks should be weighed against the benefits of continuing therapy during pregnancy and Zafirlukast should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Lactation: Zafirlukast is excreted in human breast milk. Zafirlukast should not be administered to nursing mothers.