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Asthma - Management
What should I consider when prescribing a leukotriene receptor antagonist?
- Zafirlukast: if clinical symptoms or signs suggestive of liver dysfunction occur (e.g. anorexia, nausea, vomiting, right upper quadrant pain, fatigue, lethargy, flu-like symptoms, enlarged liver, pruritus, or jaundice), stop zafirlukast and immediately measure serum transaminases, (in particular, serum alanine aminotransferase). Routine monitoring of liver function is not recommended.
- Use in children: montelukast is the only leukotriene receptor antagonist licensed for use in children (aged 6 months and older).
- Use in pregnancy: do not start a leukotriene receptor antagonist during pregnancy. However, if a woman is already taking a leukotriene receptor antagonist and it is considered essential, treatment can be continued during pregnancy.
For full details see Prescribing information.
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