.
Zafirlukast is used in the prevention and treatment of mild to severe asthma, seasonal allergic asthma, exercise-induced asthma, and aspirin-induced asthma. It belongs to a class of drugs called leukotriene-receptor antagonists (LTRA).
Interactions with Herbs
Willow (Salix
alba)
Willow bark contains salicin, a substance similar to
aspirin. Research has shown that aspirin significantly increases blood levels of
zafirlukast,1 which would increase the likelihood of side effects from zafirlukast.
The same thing could theoretically happen if people took willow bark along with zafirlukast,
although no studies have investigated this specific interaction. People may want to avoid
combining willow bark with zafirlukast due to the possibility of increased side effects.
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
The ingestion of food along with zafirlukast can reduce the overall absorption of the drug by
about 40%.2 Therefore, zafirlukast should be taken one hour before or two hours
after a meal.
Summary of Interactions
| Depletion or interference | None known |
|---|---|
| Adverse interaction | Willow* |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | None known |
| Supportive interaction | None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability | Food |
For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
References:
1. Kelloway JS. Zafirlukast: the first leukotriene-receptor antagonist approved for the treatment of asthma. Ann Pharmacother 1997;31(9):1012–21.
2. Kelloway JS. Zafirlukast: the first leukotriene-receptor antagonist approved for the treatment of asthma. Ann Pharmacother 1997;31(9):1012–21.
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