Zafnil

Zafnil Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Zafnil is a brand name. Its generic name is Zafirlukast.

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Introduction

Zafnil is an orally administered leukotriene receptor antagonist used to treat asthma. It blocks leukotrienes, naturally occurring substances in your body, lungs and airways. This prevents bronchoconstriction, inflammation and increased mucus in your airways caused by leukotrienes.

Uses For

Zafnil is used to prevent asthma attacks in adults and children ages 5 and over. It helps reduce symptoms, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Zafnil is not a rescue medication and should not be taken during an acute asthma episode.

Mechanism of Action

Zafnil works by inhibiting leukotriene receptor binding. It blocks the binding of leukotriene C4, D4, and E4 (LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4) to the cysteinyl leukotriene receptors on cells in the body. By blocking these receptors, Zafnil prevents leukotrienes from activating the cells and causing inflammation.

How Long Does it Take to Work?

Zafnil usually takes 2 to 4 days to reduce symptoms of asthma. Ten percent of patients may require up to two weeks before they show any symptom improvement.

Absorption

Zafnil is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations occurring three hours after administration.

Route of Elimination

Zafnil is eliminated primarily by the kidneys. Ninety-one percent of administered oral doses are excreted in the urine within five days.

Dosage

Zafnil is supplied as 10 mg tablets and should be taken twice daily, with or without food. The usual dose for adults and children over 12 years of age is 20 mg twice daily. For children 5-11 years of age, the usual dose is 10 mg twice daily.

Administration

Zafnil should be administered orally, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets.

Side Effect

The most common side effects of Zafnil include upper respiratory tract infection, nausea, sore throat, dizziness, abdominal pain, headache, and diarrhea.

Toxicity

Zafnil has no specific antidote and is not expected to cause serious toxicity. Overdose of Zafnil may cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Precautions

Zafnil should be used with caution in patients with liver impairment, as it may increase the risk of liver damage. The safety and effectiveness of Zafnil have not been established in patients younger than 5 years of age.

Interactions

Zafnil may interact with certain medications such as theophylline, warfarin, cyclosporine, and oral contraceptives.

Disease Interactions

Zafnil may not be suitable for patients with certain conditions, such as liver or kidney disease.

Drug Interactions

Zafnil may interact with other drugs, such as warfarin, cyclosporine, and oral contraceptives. Patients should consult their healthcare provider before taking any new medications while taking Zafnil.

Food Interactions

There are no known food interactions with Zafnil. It is best to take it with food, but it may be taken with or without food.

Pregnancy Use

Women who are pregnant should not use Zafnil. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk.

Lactation Use

Zafnil should be avoided in nursing mothers as it is not known if this medication passes into breast milk.

Acute Overdose

There is no known antidote for Zafnil and acute overdoes is not expected to cause serious toxicity. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Contraindication

Zafnil should not be used in patients who are hypersensitive to the drug or its components.

Use Direction

Zafnil should be taken exactly as prescribed. Follow the instructions on the prescription label. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Storage Condition

Store Zafnil at room temperature away from heat and light. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution for Zafnil is not known.

Half Life

The half-life of Zafnil is approximately 5 hours.

Clearance

The clearance of Zafnil from the body is not known.

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