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Zileuton
Zileuton
Zileuton
(zye-LOO-ton)
Pregnancy Category: C Zyflo (Rx)

Classification: Antiasthmatic, leukotriene receptor inhibitor

Action/Kinetics: Specific inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase; thus, inhibits the formation of leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are substances that induce various biological effects including aggregation of neutrophils and monocytes, leukocyte adhesion, increase of neutrophil and eosinophil migration, increased capillary permeability, and contraction of smooth muscle. These effects of leukotrienes contribute to edema, secretion of mucus, inflammation, and bronchoconstriction in asthmatic clients. By inhibiting leukotriene formation, zileuton reduces bronchoconstriction due to cold air challenge in asthmatics. Rapidly absorbed from the GI tract; peak plasma levels: 1.7 hr. Metabolized in liver and mainly excreted through the urine. t1/2: 2.5 hr.

Uses: Prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma in adults and children over 12 years of age.

Contraindications: Active liver disease or transaminase elevations greater than or equal to three times the upper limit of normal. Hypersenstivity. Treatment of bronchoconstriction in acute asthma attacks, including status asthmaticus. Lactation.

Special Concerns: Use with caution in clients who ingest large quantities of alcohol or who have a past history of liver disease. Safety and efficacy have not been determined in children less than 12 years of age.

Side Effects: GI: Dyspepsia, N&V; constipation, flatulence. CNS: Headache, dizziness, insomnia, malaise, nervousness, somnolence. Body as a whole: Unspecified pain, abdominal pain, chest pain, asthenia, accidental injury, fever. Musculoskeletal: Myalgia, arthralgia, neck pain/rigidity. GU: UTI, vaginitis. Miscellaneous: Conjunctivitis, hypertonia, lymphadenopathy, pruritus.

Laboratory Test Alterations: LFTs. Low WBC count.