FDA approves new pediatric asthma drug

The Food and Drug Administration recently approved a new pediatric formulation of the asthma medication ACCOLATE, zafirlukast, manufactured by AstraZeneca Phar maceuticals in Wil mington, DE. Zafirlukast has been available for treatment of asthma sufferers over age 12 since 1996. The drug has been prescribed more than 5 million times for the preventative and chronic treatment of asthma. The new pediatric dose is approved for use in patients as young as 7. It is available in a 10 mg nonflavored, mini-tablet. Recommended dosage is one 10 mg mini tablet twice daily, even during symptom free periods.