Zileuton

Zileuton is a medication that, when taken four times a day, can help prevent asthma attacks. The drug has been shown to improve breathing and reduce symptoms in both adults and children by blocking leukotrine receptors. It comes in tablet form and is available by prescription. Side effects of zileuton can include nausea, headache, pain, and indigestion or heartburn.

 
In February 2008, the manufacturer of Zyflo announced that it has discontinued making this product. The manufacturer stated that since the longer-acting version, Zyflo CR, became available in 2007, use of immediate-release Zyflo declined significantly. Zyflo CR will still be available.
 

What Is Zileuton?

Zileuton (Zyflo®) is a prescription medication used to prevent asthma attacks in adults and children as young as 12 years old.
 
(Click What Is Zileuton Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses of the medication.)
 

Who Makes Zileuton?

Zileuton is made by Critical Therapeutics, Inc.
 

How Does Zileuton Work?

Zileuton is part of a group of medications called leukotriene synthesis inhibitors. Leukotrienes are chemicals produced by the body in response to allergens or other problems. In the lungs, leukotrienes cause swelling and inflammation in the airways and constriction of the muscles of the respiratory tract.
 
Zileuton works by stopping the body from producing leukotrienes, preventing these chemicals from causing asthma symptoms.
  

Effects of Zileuton

In studies of zileuton for asthma, people taking the drug had improved breathing and fewer daytime and nighttime asthma symptoms, compared to those not taking the medication. Zileuton was also shown to be safe and effective for treating asthma in children as young as 12 years old.
 
(Zileuton Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;