Zafirlukast para el asma

About zafirlukast

El asma es una enfermedad frecuente causada por la inflamación de las vías respiratorias más pequeñas de los pulmones. La inflamación irrita los músculos que rodean las vías respiratorias y provoca su constricción. Las vías respiratorias se estrechan. El aire entra y sale con más dificultad de los pulmones. Esto provoca los síntomas típicos de sibilancias, opresión torácica y falta de aire. La inflamación también hace que el revestimiento de las vías respiratorias produzca más mucosidad, lo que provoca tos.

Asthma symptoms can flare up from time to time and there may be no apparent reason why. However, some people find that symptoms are made worse by triggers such as exercise and pollen. These things cause your body to produce chemical substances called leukotrienes, which cause the inflammation. Zafirlukast helps control the symptoms of asthma by blocking the effects of these leukotrienes.

Before taking zafirlukast

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking zafirlukast it is important that your doctor knows:

• Si está embarazada, esperando un bebé o en período de lactancia.

• Si tiene algún problema con el funcionamiento del hígado o de los riñones.

• Si toma o utiliza otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que pueda adquirirse sin receta, así como medicamentos a base de plantas y complementarios.

• Si alguna vez ha tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.

How to take zafirlukast

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about zafirlukast and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from taking it.

• Take zafirlukast exactly as your doctor tells you to. The usual dose is one tablet in the morning and one in the evening.

• Swallow the tablet with a drink of water. You should take it 'on an empty stomach', which means that you should take the tablet about an hour before a meal, or wait until two hours afterwards. This is because your body absorbs less zafirlukast after a meal, which means the medicine is less effective.

• Take zafirlukast regularly every day, even if your asthma is well controlled. Try not to miss any of your doses but if you do forget, take it as soon as you remember. If when you remember, it is almost time to take your next dose then skip the missed dose and take your next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Aproveche al máximo su tratamiento

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress. Also, your doctor may want you to have blood tests from time to time to check on the way your liver is working.

• Zafirlukast will not give you immediate relief if you are having an asthma attack. Your doctor will prescribe a reliever inhaler for you to use if this happens. Make sure that you keep it with you all the time in case you need to use it.

• Si observa que sus síntomas asmáticos empeoran o que necesita utilizar el inhalador de alivio con más regularidad de lo habitual, póngase en contacto inmediatamente con su médico o enfermera.

• No fume. Fumar irrita y daña gravemente los pulmones. Empeorará su enfermedad y reducirá los efectos beneficiosos de su medicación.

• Si compra algún medicamento, compruebe en la farmacia que es adecuado para usted. Algunos analgésicos antiinflamatorios y la aspirina pueden empeorar los síntomas del asma en algunas personas.

Can zafirlukast cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains the most common ones associated with zafirlukast. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Si experimenta cualquier otro síntoma que crea que puede deberse a los comprimidos, consulte a su médico o farmacéutico.

How to store zafirlukast

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y de la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.
  

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos