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zileuton (Zyflo Filmtab, Zyflo, Zyflo CR): Dosing and Uses

 

Classes: 5-Lipoxygenase Inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Dosing and uses of Zyflo Filmtab, Zyflo (zileuton)

 

Adult dosage forms and strengths

tablet

  • 600mg

tablet, extended release

  • 600mg

 

Asthma

Extended release: 1200 mg PO twice daily, within 1 hour after morning and evening meals

Conventional: 600 mg PO four times daily

Monitor: LFTs

Contraindicated in hepatic dysfunction

 

Pediatric dosage forms and strengths

tablet

  • 600mg

tablet, extended release

  • 600mg

 

Asthma

<12 years

  • Safety and efficacy not established
  • The FDA has not required pediatric studies in patients <12 years old due to the risk of hepatotoxicity; not recommeded for children younger than 12 years

>12 years

  • Extended Release: 1200 mg PO twice daily, within 1 hour after morning and evening meals
  • Conventional: 600 mg PO four times daily
  • Monitor: LFTs
  • Contraindicated in hepatic dysfunction

 

Zyflo Filmtab, Zyflo (zileuton) adverse (side) effects

>10%

Headache (24.6%)

 

1-10%

Abdominal pain (5%)

ALT elevation ≥3 times ULN (1.9-5%)

Asthenia (3.8%)

Dyspepsia (8.2%)

Diarrhea (5%)

Generalized pain (7.8%)

Nausea (5.5%)

Leukopenia (1-3%)

Myalgia (7%)

Weakness (4%)

Sinusitis (7%)

Pharyngolaryngeal pain (5%)

 

< 1%

Hepatitis

Behavioral changes

Jaundice

Liver failure

Suicidality

Suicide

 

Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity

Liver disease, LFT's ≥3x ULn

 

Cautions

Not indicated for use in acute bronchospasm

History of liver disease, heavy alcohol use

Behavioral changes and sleep disorders reported

Not recommended for patients <12 years due to risk of hepatotoxicity

 

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy category: C

Lactation: Not known if excreted in breast milk; not recommended

 

Pregnancy categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

 

Pharmacology of Zyflo Filmtab, Zyflo (zileuton)

Mechanism of action

Inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase, which inhibits formation of LTB4, LTC4, LTD4, & LTE4

Inhibition of leukotriene formation reduces eosinophil and neutrophil migration, neutrophil and monocyte aggregation, capillary permeability, and smooth muscle contraction

 

Pharmacokinetics

Half-Life: 2.5 hr

Onset: 2-5 hr

Peak Plasma Time: 1.7 hr

Protein Bound: 93%

Vd: 1.2 L/kg

Metabolites: O-glucuronide conjugate & N-dehydroxylated metabolite

Clearance: 7 mL/min/kg

Excretion: Urine (95%); feces (2%)

Enzymes inhibited: hepatic CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and CYP2C9