Zafirlukast Treatment for Asthma and Allergies: People, Dogs & Cats

Asthma is chronic (disorder) lung disease, interrupts or blocks the airways (bronchial tubes 1), carry air in and out of the lungs. When the lungs experience an allergic reaction cause irritation (inflammation), from dust mites, cold air, pollutants, secondhand smoke, stress and anxiety (maybe genetically inherited): The muscles of the bronchial walls tighten, restricting air flow to the lungs and cells in the lungs produce extra mucus further narrowing the airways. (1, 2) Also, menstruation known to cause asthma: "In some, not all, women, asthma symptoms are closely tied to the menstrual cycle." 3 Common symptoms of asthma include: Coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness (congestion), predominately during the day and night. 2 Asthma affects all races and all ages, but more common in African Americans and frequent chronic disease of children. 3 Sometimes a severe asthma attack requires immediate emergency attention. 2 Currently no cure for asthma, but it can be controlled by medication and change of lifestyle.

In the United States, more than 17 million people (third of these are children) diagnosis of asthma confirmed by test results. 3 Asthma severity classified by one of four classifications (based upon physical exam and diagnostic tests): Mild Intermittent, mild persistent, moderate persistent and severe persistent. 4 In 2002, 478,000 asthma patients hospitalized and 4,657 attributed deaths. "Asthma costs the US economy nearly $13 billion each year". 3

Zafirukast (brand names: Accoleit, Accolate, and Vanticon 5) manufactured by AstraZenca prevent asthma symptoms or attacks, five years and older. (5, 6) Zafirlukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRAs): "This medication works by blocking the activity of natural substances (leukotrienes) that may cause or worsen asthma". (6, 7) Zafirukast prescribed and taken as a tablet (Accolate: 20 mg - round white tablets and 10 mg - round tablets 9) usually twice a day (one hour or two hours after a meal), and frequently taken with other prescribed medications to treat breathing difficulties. (5,6). The Zafirukast approved by Food and Drug Administration and available over sixty countries. 5

Oral medication Zafirlukast common side effects include: Sore Throat, headache, malaise, and nausea. Possible serious side effects may include: Liver disease, severe abdominal or stomach pain, yellowing of the eyes and skin, dark urine, tiredness, and frequent nausea and vomiting. The medication discontinued if liver problems become occur. Some patients taking the medication experience an allergic reaction: Rash, swelling, itching, trouble breathing and severe dizziness. 8 More than 60 years old, likely experience side effects taking Zafirlukast (may require a lower dose). 9 Upon experiencing any allergic reaction or side effects, physician or pharmacist should be contacted. 8 When the medication is prescribed to women who are pregnant or breast - feeding, their physician should carefully monitor their treatment progress. 6 The Food and Drug Administration classifies the medication Zafirlukast as pregnancy category 'B': "This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby". 9 Also, nonprescription medication including nutritional supplements, herbal products, and vitamins (also aspirin 9 ) may adversely interact with Zakirlukast. In case of an overdose symptoms include rash and nausea. 6

In the United States, more people allergic to cats than dogs, five to ten percent of the population. Published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (April 2000 11) zafirlukast (Scientists at John Hopkins University 11) successfully reduced symptoms cat - induced asthma or experienced cat allergens, clinical study of 18 enlisted individuals. 11 The medication provided a level of comfort for duration of time, when exposed to cat allergens. Especially effective for those who enjoy having a cat but unfortunately experience an asthma attack. 10 Dr. Robert Wood, M.D. associate professor of pediatrics commented regarding zafirlukast medication to treat cat allergies: "It's especially appealing because it is not a steroid and is given in pill form. In some people, this drug was dramatically effective, and people don't have to rely on using their inhaler's". 11

Feline asthma (bronchitis or feline bronchial disease) similar to human asthma, allergic reaction cause upper respiratory distressed breathing. 12 In the United States, feline asthma affects one percent of more than twelve million cats. 13 Triggering asthma attack in cats: Smoke, house chemicals, mold or mildew, cat litter, pollens and cold or moist air. Symptoms of feline asthma include: Cat trying to cough up a hair ball, possible choking on food, sneezing and may expel foamy mucous. 12 Feline asthma treatable by conventional asthma therapy, however few cats suffer side effects or non-effective. According to Lisa Moore, an assistant professor of clinical sciences at Kansas State University, zafirlukast proved successful treat asthma in humans, being studied to treat feline asthma. Initial results shown the drug effective but further studies are required to prove the safety, efficacy and proper dosage. Lisa Moore said: 'Some people say it helps. We'd like to get some scientific information to find out if that's true". 13

Second most common skin disease in dogs is atopic dermatitis, affecting ten percent of the canine population. 14 Allergic reaction causes atopic dermatitis in dogs, common substances in the environment such as house dust mites. 15 During a clinical test, eleven percent of dogs (2 out of 20), zafirlukast effectively reduced atop dermatitis by at least fifty percent. The medication metabolizes in the liver and less than three percent excreted in the urine. During experiment studies, at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, the medication had shown no adverse side effects and no fatalities. 14 Also, zafirlukast potentially safe to treat dermatitis (commonly associated with asthma) in humans or equally effective compared to corticosteroids. Further studies require confirmation regarding safety and efficacy usage of the medication. 16

References:

1.) Asthma - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/asthma/DS00021

2,) What is Asthma? - http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Asthma/Asthma_WhatIs.html

3.) Asthma - http://www.emedicinehealth.com/asthma/article_em.htm

4.) Asthma - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/asthma/DS00021/DSECTION=6

5.) Zafirlukast - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zafirlukast

6.) Zafirlukast - http://www.consumerreports.org/health/drug-reports/zafirlukast.htm

7.) Zafirlukast Oral - http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-14087-Zafirlukast+Oral.aspx?drugid=14087&drugname=Zafirlukast+Oral

8.) ZAFIRLUKAST ORAL SIDE EFFECTS - http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-14087-Zafirlukast+Oral.aspx?drugid=14087&drugname=Zafirlukast+Oral

9.) What is the most important information I should know about zafirlukast? - http://health.yahoo.com/asthma-medications/zafirlukast/healthwise--d04053a1.html

10.) Possible Help for People Allergic to Cats - http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=0&cat=1523&articleid=1258

11.) Cat Allergy Suffers Find Relief in Asthma Drug - http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/press/2000/APRIL/000427.HTM

12.) Feline Asthma - http://cats.about.com/od/respiratorydisease/a/felineasthma.htm