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Zyflo |
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What is Zyflo and why is it prescribed? Zyflo tablets prevent and relieve the symptoms of chronic asthma. Zyflo works by relaxing the muscles in the walls of your airways, allowing them to open wider, and by reducing inflammation, swelling, and mucus secretion in the lungs. Zyflo has been known to cause liver damage. Be sure to see your doctor every few months for liver function tests. How should you take Zyflo? Follow your doctors directions for taking Zyflo. Zyflo should be taken 4 times a day. You can take Zyflo with or without meals, but it may be easier to remember if you take it with meals and at bedtime. While taking Zyflo, you should continue taking all other asthma medications your doctor has prescribed, unless directed otherwise. Do not decrease the dose or stop taking any of these drugs. If you miss a dose take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Zyflo at room temperature, away from light. Are there any Zyflo side effects? Zyflo side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Zyflo side effects may include abdominal pain, headache, indigestion, loss of strength, muscle aches, nausea, and pain. Less common Zyflo side effects may include chest pain, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, fever, gas, general discomfort, inflammation of the vagina, inflamed eyes, insomnia, itching, joint pain, muscle tension, neck pain or rigidity, nervousness, urinary tract infection, and vomiting. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Zyflo? If Zyflo is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before taking Zyflo with Astemizole (Hismanal), Beta blockers (such as Inderal, Sectral, and Tenormin), Calcium channel blockers (such as Calan, Cardizem, and Procardia), Cisapride (Propulsid), Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral), Terfenadine (Seldane), Theophylline (Theo-Dur), or Warfarin (Coumadin). While you are taking Zyflo, your theophylline dosage may need to be lowered, and your theophylline levels will have to be carefully watched. Dosages of Inderal may also need reduction, and warfarin dosages may need adjustment as well. Are there any special warnings about Zyflo? Zyflo will not help an acute asthma attack in which immediate opening of the airways is needed. If you find that you have to use your other asthma medications more often, report this to your doctor. Because Zyflo can affect the liver, make sure your doctor is aware of any problems you have had in the past. Warn the doctor if you are a heavy drinker. Your liver function will be tested before you start Zyflo, and regularly thereafter. If they reveal liver damage, you will have to stop taking Zyflo. Be sure to tell your doctor immediately if you develop any symptoms of liver disease. These include pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea, fatigue, lethargy, itching, general discomfort, and jaundice. |
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