Zafirlukast (Accolate) - MedFriendly.com

Zafirlukast (also known as Accolate, Accoleit, and

Vanticon) is an oral tablet medication used for

maintenance treatment of mild to moderate asthma.

Asthma is difficulty breathing due to narrowing of the

airway passage. Technically, zafirlukast is known as a

leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA), the first such

medication marketed in the United States.

FEATURED BOOK: The Asthma Sourcebook

LTRAs work by blocking certain powerful chemical substances (known as leukotrienes)

from acting on muscle cells in the lungs, which would cause narrowing and swelling the

airway passages. By blocking the actions of these chemicals, the narrowing and swelling

is greatly reduced. Thus, zafirlukast helps reduce asthma symptoms and the number of

acute asthma attacks. Once an asthma attack has already begun, however, zafirlukast

will not be able to relieve it.

Zafirlukast is usually used twice a day. It is often used together with a steroid inhaler or a

long-acting bronchodilator. A bronchodilator widens the bronchi (small airways connected

to the lungs) to assist breathing. Steroids decrease inflammation, swelling, and mucus

production in the airways, which makes it easier for a person with asthma to breathe.

Importantly, patients should discuss with their doctor the rare but serious side effects that

can occur when zafirlukast is combined with dosage reduction of oral steroids. Zafirlukast

is sold by Astra-Zeneca and is now marketed in over 60 countries.