Zileuton
Brand names: Zileuton, ZYFLO
Warnings
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hepatotoxicity: Elevations of one or more hepatic function enzymes and bilirubin may occur with zileuton extended-release tablets. Assess hepatic function enzymes prior to initiation of zileuton extended-release tablets, monthly for the first 3 months, every 2 to 3 months for the remainder of the first year, and periodically thereafter. Use zileuton extended-release tablets with caution in patients who consume substantial quantities of alcohol and/or have a history of liver disease. (5.1) Neuropsychiatric Events : Neuropsychiatric events, including sleep disorders and behavior changes, may occur with zileuton extended-release tablets. Instruct patients to be alert for neuropsychiatric events. Evaluate the risks and benefits of continuing treatment with zileuton extended-release tablets if such events occur. (5.2) 5.1 Hepatotoxicity Elevations of one or more hepatic function enzymes and bilirubin may occur during zileuton extended-release tablets therapy. These laboratory abnormalities may progress to clinically significant liver injury, remain unchanged, or resolve with continued treatment, usually within three weeks. The ALT (SGPT) test is considered the most sensitive indicator of liver injury for zileuton extended-release tablets. Assess hepatic function enzymes prior to initiation of, and during therapy with, zileuton extended- release tablets. Assess serum ALT before treatment begins, once a month for the first 3 months, every 2 to 3 months for the remainder of the first year, and periodically thereafter for patients receiving long-term zileuton extended-release tablets therapy. If clinical signs and/or symptoms of liver dysfunction develop (e.g., right upper quadrant pain, nausea, fatigue, lethargy, pruritus, jaundice, or "flu-like" symptoms) or transaminase elevations ≥5×ULN occur, discontinue zileuton extended-release tablets and follow hepatic function enzymes until normal. In controlled and open-label clinical studies involving more than 5000 patients treated with zileuton immediate-release tablets, the overall rate of ALT elevation ≥3×ULN was 3.2%. In these trials, one patient developed symptomatic hepatitis with jaundice, which resolved upon discontinuation of therapy. An additional 3 patients with transaminase elevations developed mild hyperbilirubinemia that was less than 3×ULN. There was no evidence of hypersensitivity or other alternative etiologies for these findings. Since treatment with zileuton extended-release tablets may result in increased hepatic function enzymes and liver injury, zileuton extended-release tablets should be used with caution in patients who consume substantial quantities of alcohol and/or have a past history of liver disease. 5.2 Neuropsychiatric Events Neuropsychiatric events have been reported in adult and adolescent patients taking zileuton, the active ingredient in zileuton extended-release tablets and zileuton immediate-release tablets. Post- marketing reports with zileuton include sleep disorders and behavior changes. The clinical details of some post-marketing reports involving zileuton appear consistent with a drug-induced effect. Patients and prescribers should be alert for neuropsychiatric events. Patients should be instructed to notify their prescriber if these changes occur. Prescribers should carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of continuing treatment with zileuton extended-release tablets if such events occur [see Adverse Reactions (6.3)].
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS The use of Zileuton extended-release tablets is contraindicated in patients with: Active liver disease or persistent hepatic function enzyme elevations greater than or equal to 3 times the upper limit of normal (≥3×ULN) [see Warnings and Precautions (5), and Use in Specific Populations (8.7)] . A history of allergic reaction to zileuton or any of the ingredients of zileuton extended-release tablets (e.g., rash, eosinophilia, etc.). Active liver disease or persistent hepatic function enzyme elevations ≥3 times the upper limit of normal. (4, 5.1) History of allergic reaction to zileuton or any of the ingredients of zileuton extended-release tablets. (4)
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE Human experience of acute overdose with zileuton is limited. A patient in a clinical study took between 6.6 and 9.0 grams of zileuton immediate-release tablets in a single dose. Vomiting was induced and the patient recovered without sequelae. Zileuton is not removed by dialysis. Should an overdose occur, the patient should be treated symptomatically and supportive measures instituted as required. If indicated, elimination of unabsorbed drug should be achieved by emesis or gastric lavage; usual precautions should be observed to maintain the airway. A Certified Poison Control Center should be consulted for up-to-date information on management of overdose with zileuton extended-release tablets.
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS The following study results were obtained using zileuton immediate-release tablets but the conclusions also apply to zileuton extended-release tablets. Zileuton increases theophylline levels. Reduce theophylline dose and monitor levels. (7.1) Zileuton increases warfarin levels. Monitor prothrombin time and adjust warfarin dose accordingly. (7.2) Zileuton increases propranolol levels and beta-blocker activity. Monitor appropriately. (7.3) 7.1 Theophylline In a drug-interaction study in 16 healthy subjects, coadministration of multiple doses of zileuton immediate-release tablets (800 mg every 12 hours) and theophylline (200 mg every 6 hours) for 5 days resulted in a significant decrease (approximately 50%) in steady-state clearance of theophylline, an approximate doubling of theophylline AUC, and an increase in theophylline C max (by 73%). The elimination half-life of theophylline was increased by 24%. Also, during coadministration, theophylline-related adverse reactions were observed more frequently than after theophylline alone. Upon initiation of zileuton extended-release tablets in patients receiving theophylline, the theophylline dosage should be reduced by approximately one-half and plasma theophylline concentrations monitored. Similarly, when initiating therapy with theophylline in a patient receiving zileuton extended-release tablets, the maintenance dose and/or dosing interval of theophylline should be adjusted accordingly and guided by serum theophylline determinations. 7.2 Warfarin Concomitant administration of multiple doses of zileuton immediate-release tablets (600 mg every 6 hours) and warfarin (fixed daily dose obtained by titration in each subject) to 30 healthy male subjects resulted in a 15% decrease in R-warfarin clearance and an increase in AUC of 22%. The pharmacokinetics of S-warfarin were not affected. These pharmacokinetic changes were accompanied by a clinically significant increase in prothrombin times. Monitoring of prothrombin time, or other suitable coagulation tests, with the appropriate dose titration of warfarin is recommended in patients receiving concomitant zileuton extended-release tablets and warfarin therapy. 7.3 Propranolol Coadministration of zileuton immediate-release tablets and propranolol results in a significant increase in propranolol concentrations. Administration of a single 80 mg dose of propranolol in 16 healthy male subjects who received zileuton immediate-release tablets 600 mg every 6 hours for 5 days resulted in a 42% decrease in propranolol clearance. This resulted in an increase in propranolol C max , AUC, and elimination half-life by 52%, 104%, and 25%, respectively. There was an increase in β-blockade as shown by a decrease in heart rate associated with the coadministration of these drugs. Patients concomitantly on zileuton extended-release tablets and propranolol should be closely monitored and the dose of propranolol reduced as necessary. No formal drug-drug interaction studies between zileuton and other beta-adrenergic blocking agents (i.e., β-blockers) have been conducted. It is reasonable to employ appropriate clinical monitoring when these drugs are coadministered with zileuton extended-release tablets. 7.4 Other Concomitant Drug Therapy Drug-drug interaction studies conducted in healthy subjects between zileuton immediate-release tablets and prednisone and ethinyl estradiol (oral contraceptive), drugs known to be metabolized by the CYP3A4 isoenzyme, have shown no significant interaction. However, no formal drug-drug interaction studies between zileuton and CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ketaconazole, have been conducted. It is reasonable to employ appropriate clinical monitoring when these drugs are coadministered with zileuton extended-release tablets. Drug-drug interaction studies in healthy subjects have been conducted with zileuton immediate-release tablets and digoxin, phenytoin, sulfasalazine, and naproxen. There was no significant interaction between zileuton and any of these drugs.
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Zileuton extended-release tablets are indicated for the prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma in adults and children 12 years of age and older. Zileuton extended-release tablets are not indicated for use in the reversal of bronchospasm in acute asthma attacks. Therapy with zileuton extended-release tablets can be continued during acute exacerbations of asthma. Zileuton extended-release tablets are a leukotriene synthesis inhibitor indicated for the prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma in adults and children 12 years of age and older. (1) Do not use zileuton extended-release tablets to treat an acute asthma attack. (1)
Dosage forms & strengths
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dosage of Zileuton extended-release tablets for the treatment of patients with asthma is two 600 mg extended-release tablets twice daily, within one hour after morning and evening meals, for a total daily dose of 2400 mg. Tablets should not be chewed, cut or crushed. If a dose is missed, the patient should take the next dose at the scheduled time and not double the dose. Assess hepatic function enzymes prior to initiation of zileuton extended-release tablets and periodically during treatment [ see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5), and Use in Specific Populations (8.7) ]. Adults and children 12 years of age and older: The recommended dose of zileuton extended-release tablets is two 600 mg extended-release tablets twice daily, within one hour after morning and evening meals, for a total daily dose of 2400 mg. (2) Monitoring: Assess hepatic function enzymes prior to initiation of zileuton extended-release tablets and monitor periodically during treatment. (2, 5.1)