General Information on Accolate
Accolate is a drug with the generic name zafirlukast. This particular drug is a synthesized LTRA, which stands for leukotriene receptor antagonist.
You can buy Accolate for the treatment of asthmatic attacks. It is indicated for reducing and preventing certain symptoms of asthma, apart from the treatment of chronic asthma in patients who are of or above 5 years of age.
Accolate works by affecting a certain substance in the body known as leukotrienes. These substances are released in the body as a defense against certain foreign particles that trigger an allergic reaction (allergens). This results in the blockage and swelling of the respiratory track, which leads to an asthma attack. By blocking the actions of leukotrienes, Accolate is able to lower the swelling on the tract and treat asthma symptoms.
Side effects of Accolate
Accolate may trigger an allergic reaction if it is taken by patients who are known to be hypersensitive to zafirlukast. This reaction can be recognized by the following symptoms- skin rashes or irritation, severe swelling or inflammation on the face, throat and tongue and difficulty in breathing or swallowing. Accolate must also be avoided by patients suffering from hepatic cirrhosis or any form of severe liver impairment.
Accolate may cause liver dysfunction, and you must inform your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following signs of this severe side effect- pain in the upper right-hand side of the abdomen, fatigue, nausea, lethargy, jaundice, anorexia and severe skin itching.
Accolate contains an ingredient called phenylalanine, which is already present naturally in the body. A high intake of this drug may result in an increase of phenylalanine levels in the body, leading to brain damage. The risk of this occurring is greater among patients suffering from a condition known as phenylketonuria, which inhibits the body’s ability to break down phenylalanine and keep its level in control. Therefore, a patient suffering from this condition must not take Accolate.
Dosage of Accolate
You can buy Accolate as an oral tablet in the following dose strengths- Accolate 10mg and Accolate 20mg. Your doctor would determine the dosage you need to take and the duration of treatment with Accolate. You must follow the course of medication determined by your doctor, even though it may be different from the recommended dosage given below.
For children of and over the age of 12 years and adults, the recommended daily dose of Accolate is two 20mg tablets. For pediatric patients (patients below the age of 12 years and of or above 5 years), the recommended daily dosage is kept at two Accolate 10mg tablets, given at different intervals (e.g 12 hours apart).
In case of older patients or those suffering from liver impairment, the doctor may determine a specialized schedule of Accolate. Some medical tests may have to be conducted, and the patient may also have to visit the doctor frequently to check for improvements or any signs of adverse side effects.
Interactions
Accolate may interact with certain other medications, like erythromycin. It is best if you inform your doctor about any medicines you are taking well before you begin your course of treatment with Accolate.
