Introduction
Accolate is a prescription medicine used for asthma prevention and for the treatment of allergy symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose. It reduces inflammation in the airways and make breathing easier.
Accolate should be taken on an empty stomach, but take it at the same time to get the most benefit. It is advised to have it 2 hours before exercise if you have exercise-induced asthma. It should be taken as your doctor's advice. The dose and how often you take it depends on what you are taking it for. Your doctor will decide how much you need to improve your symptoms. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. You should take this medicine for as long as it is prescribed for you. It does not cure sudden breathing problems, so always carry a medicated inhaler with you.
The most common side effects of this medicine include headache, infection, nausea, and diarrhea. If these bother you or appear serious, let your doctor know. There may be ways of reducing or preventing them. Generally, you should avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.
Before taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you have ever had severe liver problems. Your doctor should also know about all other medicines you are taking as many of these may make this medicine less effective or change the way it works. You must inform your doctor about pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Side effects of Accolate
Common
- Headache
- Infection
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Pain
- Weakness
How to use Accolate
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Accolate is to be taken empty stomach.
How Accolate works
Accolate works by blocking the action of leukotriene. It lowers inflammation in the airways and nose to prevent asthma.
What if you forget to take Accolate?
If you miss a dose of Accolate, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Administration
Should be taken on an empty stomach. Take at least 1 hr before or 2 hr after meals.
Adult Dose
Oral
Chronic asthma
Adult: 20 mg bid.
Hepatic impairment: Contraindicated.
Child Dose
Oral
Chronic asthma
Child: 5-11 yr: 10 mg bid.
>12 yr: 20 mg bid.
Renal Dose
Renal Impairment
Dose adjustment not necessary
Contraindication
Hypersensitivity, hepatic impairment, cirrhosis, acute asthmatic attacks. Lactation.
Mode of Action
Zafirlukast selectively antagonises the leukotriene D4 receptor. It inhibits bronchoconstriction caused by various inhaled antigens or irritants. It is not used in acute asthma attacks.
Precaution
Not indicated for use in the reversal of bronchospasm in acute asthma attacks. Avoid abrupt substitution to oral or inhaled corticosteroids. Renal impairment. Pregnancy and lactation. Monitoring Parameters Monitor for improvements in air flow; monitor closely for sign/symptoms of hepatic injury; periodic monitoring of LFTs.
Lactation: Excreted in breast milk; not recommended
Side Effect
>10%
headache (12.9% in age >12 yr)
1-10%
Abdominal pain (1.8%),Infection (3.5%),Nausea (3.1%),Diarrhea (2.8%),Generalized pain (1.8%),Vomiting (1.5%),Dyspepsia/gastritits (1.3%),Increased ALT (1.5%),Infection (4%),Back pain (2%),Weakness (2%),Myalgia (2%)
Frequency Not Defined
Eosinophilia
Eosinophilic pneumonia
Vasculitis
Malaise
Bleeding
Bruising
Potentially Fatal: Severe hepatotoxicity.
Interaction
May enhance anticoagulant activity of warfarin resulting to increased prothrombin time. Decreased plasma levels w/ theophylline, terfenadine and erythromycin. Increased plasma levels w/ fluconazole and high dose aspirin.