ZAFIRLUKAST

What is Zafirlukast (Accolate)?

Zafirlukast is part of a class of medications known as leukotriene receptor antagonists. Leukotrienes, specifically LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4, are pro-inflammatory mediators heavily involved in the mechanisms behind asthma. When provoked, leukotrienes constrict the airways, making breathing harder. Zafirlukast blocks leukotrienes from closing the airways, effectively making breathing easier. 

What is the relationship between Zafirlukast and long-COVID?

For patients suffering from inflammatory respiratory symptoms of long-COVID such as wheezing, cough, exercise intolerance, and trouble breathing, zafirlukast may play a role in mitigating these symptoms [1]. Patients with COVID-19 have been found to have high levels of LTE4, a member of the leukotriene family, in the lung space. Zafirlukast could help decrease these levels. A study conducted on patients with COVID-19 showed that zafirlukast made no difference in the outcomes of patients; however, this study was done in hospitalized patients, not long-COVID patients residing at home [2]. Although formal recommendations for zafirlukast to treat long-COVID have yet to be made, additional studies could help close the gap and provide guidance regarding its use.

References:

¹https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.784214/full

 ²https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9673052/