Zafirlukast, sold under the brand name Accolate, is a medication used to prevent and treat asthma attacks. Asthma refers to a constriction of your airway passages and you may experience difficulty breathing and wheezing. Zafirlukast is a medication intended for long-term use and should not be used when an asthma attack has already commenced, states Drugs.com. If you are an asthma sufferer, understand zafirlukast's numerous side effects.
Liver Damage
Zafirlukast can increase the incidence of hepatotoxicity (liver damage). According to RxList.com, symptoms of liver damage include upper right-sided stomach pain, fatigue, nausea, itching, yellowing of the skin or eyes and anorexia (an eating disorder characterized by food limitation). Visit your doctor regularly, as she can measure certain enzymes (natural chemicals ) produced in your liver such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT). If your ALT levels are elevated, this may be an indication of liver damage.
Allergic Reaction
In certain instances, you may develop an allergic reaction to zafirlukast's ingredients. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of your lips, throat and face, states Drugs.com. Seek immediate help to reverse these symptoms and prevent further damage.
Breastfeeding
Discontinue Zafirlukast under your doctor's supervision if you are breastfeeding. This medication is passed into your breast milk and can potentially harm your baby, states RxList.com.
Serious Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Zafirlukast's serious side effects include muscle weakness, a skin rash, nausea, pain, poor appetite and itching. Clay-colored stools and worsened asthma symptoms are also serious side effects. Overdosing on zafirlukast can be a very scary situation. Symptoms of a zafirlukast overdose include stomach pain and a skin rash. Obtain help immediately to reverse these overdose symptoms.
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