Zileuton Terfenadine

Drugs that may be affected by zileuton include propranolol, terfenadine, theophylline, and warfarin. 

Dyspepsia is the most common side effect of zileuton. Liver transaminase levels are elevated in a small percentage of patients taking zileuton. Serum Uver transaminase levels should be monitored and treatment halted if significant elevations occur. Zileuton inhibits the metabolism of theophylline. Thus, when these agents are used concomitantly, the dose of theophylline should be reduced by approximately one-half, and plasma concentrations of theophylline should be monitored closely. Caution should also be exercised when using zileuton concomitantly with warfarin, terfenadine, or propranolol, as zileuton inhibits the metabolism of these agents. Zileuton is contraindicated in patients with acute liver disease and should be used with caution in patients who consume substantial quantities of alcohol or have a history of liver disease. 

Clinically important, potentially hazardous interactions with amiodarone, azithromycin, bepredil, bosentan, bretylium, cisapride, clarithromycin, disopyramide, erythromycin, erythromycin fluconazole, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, grapefruit juice, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, metronidazole, miconazole, nefazodone, nilotinib, paroxetine, pimozide, probucol, procainamide, quinidine, quinine, ritonavir, saquinavir, sertraline, sotalol, SSRIs, terfenadine, troleandomycin, voriconazole, zileuton, ziprasidone... 

In one study zileuton modestly increased terfenadine levels, without altering the QTc interval. Nevertheless, the combination is contraindicated. 

Awni WM, Cavanaugh JH, Leese P, Kasier J, Cao G, Locke CS, Dube LM The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interaction between zileuton and terfenadine. EurJClin Pharma-col ( 997) 52, 49-54. 

---