Zafirlukast is an orally administered leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) used for the chronic treatment of asthma. While zafirlukast is generally well tolerated, headaches and stomach upset often occur. Some rare side effects can occur, which can be l + some more technical info. Technically, zafirlukast is a selective competitive antagonist at the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor CysLT1, decreasing bronchoconstriction, vascular permeability, and leukocyte recruitment mediated by LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4. Typical adult dosing historically has been 20 mg orally twice daily for maintenance therapy; it is not indicated for acute bronchospasm relief. Pharmacokinetic properties include oral absorption with a time to peak concentration in the order of a few hours, hepatic metabolism with potential for drug interactions, and elimination via biliary and renal routes. Laboratory monitoring recommendations for patients on therapy focus on clinical assessment and liver function testing when indicated by symptoms or risk factors.

Parent: Zafirlukast
Parent: Zafirlukast
Parent: Zafirlukast
Parent: Zafirlukast
Parent: Zafirlukast
Parent: Zafirlukast
Parent: Zafirlukast
Parent: Zafirlukast
Parent: Zafirlukast
Zafirlukast drug substance and drug product are controlled by validated chromatographic methods that quantify related substances and degradation products. Typical specification limits used in industry are individual related compounds generally controlled at or below 0.05 to 0.20 percent area by HPLC and total related substances commonly limited to the 0.40 to 0.50 percent range, though exact limits depend on regulatory filings and toxicity assessments for each impurity. Common related compounds and impurities include desalkylated and oxidized degradants, hydrolysis products, N-oxide or hydroxylated metabolites, and process-related intermediates from the synthetic route; residual solvents and elemental impurities are controlled to ICH Q3C and Q3D guidance levels. Identification, quantification, and control strategies are based on forced-degradation studies, metabolite profiling, and safety qualification of individual impurities.
Zafirlukast is used as a maintenance therapy for chronic asthma to reduce the frequency and severity of bronchospasm and asthma exacerbations by blocking cysteinyl leukotriene signaling; it is not for rescue treatment of acute bronchospasm.
No, Both are leukotriene receptor antagonists that target the CysLT1 receptor, but they are distinct chemical entities with different pharmacokinetic profiles, dosing regimens and formulation histories. Montelukast is typically given once daily and has largely supplanted older agents in the class in many markets.
Zafirlukast availability has been reduced or withdrawn in some markets for a combination of commercial and safety reasons; postmarketing reports of rare but serious hepatic adverse events and evolving prescribing preferences for other leukotriene antagonists contributed to changes in market presence. Market withdrawal status varies by country and manufacturer decisions.
Zafirlukast acts as a selective competitive antagonist at the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor CysLT1, preventing binding of LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4 and thereby inhibiting leukotriene-mediated bronchoconstriction, mucosal edema and inflammatory cell recruitment in the airways.