C11H12N2O2S
111406-87-2
Asthma, Chronic Asthma
Zileuton is an orally active inhibitor of the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) enzyme, positioning it within a distinct class of anti-inflammatory agents used for the prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma.[1] Its chemical structure and pharmacological mechanism differ significantly from other antiasthmatic drugs, particularly the more widely used leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) such as montelukast and zafirlukast.[1] While LTRAs block the action of leukotrienes at their receptor sites, zileuton acts upstream to prevent their synthesis altogether. This distinction is fundamental to understanding its efficacy and side effect profile.
The clinical history of zileuton is complex; it is an approved medication, but its immediate-release (IR) formulation was withdrawn from the United States market, while an extended-release (ER) version remains available.[1] This history reflects a balance between its therapeutic utility and challenges related to dosing convenience and safety monitoring.
Zileuton is a synthetic organic compound with a well-defined chemical profile. Its systematic International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) name is 1-[1-(1-benzothiophen-2-yl)ethyl]-1-hydroxyurea.[9] It is also known by several synonyms, including (±)-1-(1-Benzo[b]thien-2-ylethyl)-1-hydroxyurea and the development code A-64077.[1]
The drug is a racemic mixture, composed of a 50:50 ratio of its R(+) and S(-) enantiomers. Both enantiomers have been shown to be pharmacologically active as 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors in in vitro systems, meaning the entire mixture contributes to the therapeutic effect.[1]
Physically, zileuton is described as a practically odorless, white, crystalline powder. Its solubility characteristics are notable; it is soluble in organic solvents like methanol and ethanol but is practically insoluble in water, with a reported solubility of approximately 0.5 mg/mL.[11] The compound has a defined melting point range of 144.2°C to 145.2°C.[10] A summary of its key chemical and physical properties is provided in Table 1.
Property | Value | Source(s) |
---|---|---|
IUPAC Name | 1-[1-(1-benzothiophen-2-yl)ethyl]-1-hydroxyurea | 9 |
DrugBank ID | DB00744 | 1 |
CAS Number | 111406-87-2 | 9 |
Molecular Formula | C11H12N2O2S | 1 |
Molecular Weight | 236.29 g/mol | 1 |
Appearance | White, crystalline powder | 11 |
Solubility in Water | 0.5 mg/mL (practically insoluble) | 11 |
Melting Point | 144.2–145.2 °C | 10 |
Stereochemistry | Racemic mixture of active R(+) and S(-) enantiomers | 1 |
Table 1: Chemical and Physical Properties of Zileuton. This table consolidates key identifiers and physicochemical characteristics of zileuton.
Asthma is fundamentally a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, where various endogenous mediators orchestrate a complex pathological response. Among the most potent of these mediators are the leukotrienes.[1] These lipid-derived signaling molecules are synthesized from arachidonic acid via the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) pathway.[1] The leukotriene family includes leukotriene B4 (LTB4), a powerful chemoattractant for neutrophils and eosinophils, and the cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs): LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4. The CysLTs were historically known as the slow-releasing substances of anaphylaxis.[1]
Collectively, these leukotrienes induce a cascade of biological effects that define the asthmatic phenotype. They promote the migration and aggregation of inflammatory cells like neutrophils and eosinophils, enhance leukocyte adhesion to the vascular endothelium, increase capillary permeability leading to airway edema, stimulate mucus secretion, and cause potent contraction of bronchial smooth muscle.[1] This combination of effects results in the characteristic airway inflammation, edema, mucus plugging, and bronchoconstriction seen in patients with asthma.[4]
Zileuton exerts its therapeutic effect by directly targeting and inhibiting the enzyme arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase (ALOX5).[1] This enzyme is the critical catalyst in the first step of the leukotriene biosynthetic pathway, converting arachidonic acid into an unstable intermediate, leukotriene A4 (LTA4).[1] By inhibiting 5-LOX, zileuton effectively halts the production of all subsequent leukotrienes, including both LTB4 and the cysteinyl leukotrienes (LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4).[1]
This upstream point of intervention is the key mechanistic distinction between zileuton and the leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) like montelukast. While LTRAs selectively block the CysLT1 receptor, leaving the LTB4 pathway and other potential CysLT receptors unaffected, zileuton provides a comprehensive blockade of the entire leukotriene cascade.[5] As a racemic mixture, both the R(+) and S(-) enantiomers of zileuton contribute to this inhibitory activity.[1]
The pharmacodynamic activity of zileuton has been demonstrated in both preclinical models and human studies. In animal models, zileuton has been shown to inhibit arachidonic acid-induced ear edema in mice and to block leukotriene-dependent bronchospasm in guinea pigs.[4] In human clinical settings, pretreatment with zileuton effectively attenuated the bronchoconstriction caused by cold air challenge, a standard model for assessing airway hyperreactivity in asthmatic patients.[1] These effects confirm that by interrupting leukotriene synthesis, zileuton can mitigate key pathophysiological processes in asthma.
The pharmacokinetic profile of zileuton is characterized by rapid absorption and extensive metabolism.
The development of an extended-release formulation (Zyflo CR) was a direct response to the market challenges posed by the immediate-release version (Zyflo), which required a four-times-daily dosing schedule.[5] The goal of the ER formulation was to improve patient compliance and convenience by allowing for twice-daily administration.[21]
Pharmacokinetic studies comparing the two formulations revealed key differences. While a direct head-to-head study was not performed, comparisons of each formulation against the IR version in separate studies allow for a cross-study analysis.[22] At steady state, when taken with food as recommended, the ER formulation (1200 mg twice daily) produces a lower peak plasma concentration (Cmax) that is approximately 35% lower than that of the IR formulation (600 mg four times daily). However, the minimum concentration (Cmin) and the total drug exposure over 24 hours (AUC) are similar for both formulations. This indicates that the ER version successfully provides sustained therapeutic drug levels throughout the dosing interval with less peak-trough fluctuation, justifying the more convenient twice-daily regimen.[17] These pharmacokinetic properties are summarized in Table 2.
Parameter | Zileuton IR (600 mg QID) | Zileuton ER (1200 mg BID) | Note |
---|---|---|---|
Dosing | Four times daily | Twice daily, with food | 5 |
Tmax (single dose, fasted) | ~1.7 hours | ~2.1 hours | 11 |
Cmax (steady state, fed) | Higher peak concentration | ~35% lower than IR | 17 |
AUC (steady state, fed) | Similar to ER | Similar to IR | 17 |
Cmin (steady state, fed) | Lower than ER | Higher than IR | 17 |
Table 2: Comparative Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Zileuton IR and ER Formulations. Data compiled from multiple studies show the ER formulation provides similar overall exposure with lower peak concentrations compared to the IR formulation.
Zileuton is FDA-approved for the prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma in adults and children aged 12 years and older.[2] It is important to note that it is not indicated for the treatment of acute asthma attacks, as its mechanism of action does not provide immediate bronchodilation.[2]
Pivotal clinical trials established its efficacy. In placebo-controlled studies involving patients with mild to moderate asthma, treatment with zileuton 600 mg four times daily resulted in statistically significant improvements in lung function, as measured by the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). These trials reported FEV1 increases ranging from 13.4% to 15.7% compared to placebo.[6] Furthermore, treatment was associated with a reduction in asthma exacerbations requiring the use of oral corticosteroids.[11]
Zileuton's place in asthma therapy is best understood in comparison to other available treatments.
Study | Population | Intervention | Key Outcomes | Source(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Placebo-Controlled Trial | Mild to moderate asthma | Zileuton 600 mg QID vs. Placebo | 15.7% improvement in FEV1 vs. 7.7% for placebo; fewer exacerbations. | 6 |
Placebo-Controlled Trial | Mild to moderate asthma | Zileuton 600 mg QID vs. Placebo | 13.4% improvement in FEV1 vs. placebo. | 11 |
Comparative Trial | Acute asthma | Zileuton vs. Montelukast vs. Placebo | Zileuton significantly improved PEFR vs. placebo (p=0.007); montelukast did not. Both reduced need for rescue medication. | 24 |
Table 3: Summary of Key Clinical Trials on Zileuton Efficacy in Asthma.
The anti-inflammatory properties of zileuton have prompted investigation into its use for other conditions characterized by leukotriene-mediated pathology.
The most significant safety issue associated with zileuton therapy is the risk of hepatotoxicity, which necessitates careful patient selection and rigorous monitoring.
The hepatotoxicity associated with zileuton is not considered an off-target effect but rather an outcome of its metabolic processing. The pattern of liver enzyme elevation is predominantly hepatocellular, suggesting direct injury to liver cells.[18]
The leading hypothesis for the mechanism of this injury involves the bioactivation of zileuton's benzothiophene moiety. This chemical structure is similar to that of tienilic acid, another drug known to cause liver injury through a similar mechanism. It is proposed that zileuton is first metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes to a reactive S-oxide intermediate. This electrophilic metabolite can then form covalent adducts with cellular macromolecules or deplete glutathione stores, leading to cellular damage. Subsequent research in animal models has supported this theory, linking zileuton exposure to nitrosative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and altered fatty acid oxidation in susceptible individuals, ultimately resulting in hepatocellular necrosis.[33] This detailed biochemical pathway provides a strong rationale for why the liver is the primary target of toxicity and underscores the critical importance of the mandated monitoring protocol.
The FDA label for zileuton includes a warning for potential neuropsychiatric events, such as sleep disorders and behavioral changes.[2] This is considered a class effect for leukotriene-modifying agents. However, post-marketing surveillance data suggest that such events are reported far less frequently with zileuton compared to the LTRA montelukast.[36] The precise mechanism for these effects is unknown, but the difference in frequency may be related to the distinct mechanisms of action—zileuton's upstream synthesis inhibition versus montelukast's downstream receptor antagonism.[36] This distinction is an important consideration in the clinical risk-benefit assessment for patients with a history of neuropsychiatric conditions.
The most common adverse reactions reported in clinical trials (≥5%) were sinusitis, nausea, and pharyngolaryngeal (throat) pain.[17] Other frequently reported side effects include headache, myalgia (muscle pain), and dyspepsia (indigestion).[3]
Zileuton's metabolism via CYP1A2, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4 makes it a perpetrator of several clinically important drug-drug interactions, primarily through its weak inhibitory effect on CYP1A2 and CYP2C9.[1]
The well-documented interactions with theophylline, warfarin, and propranolol serve as important models for predicting other potential interactions. Clinicians should exercise caution when co-administering zileuton with any drug that is a sensitive substrate of CYP1A2 or CYP2C9, particularly those with a narrow therapeutic window. A summary of these key interactions is provided in Table 4.
Interacting Drug | Affected CYP Enzyme | Clinical Consequence | Management Recommendation | Source(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Theophylline | CYP1A2 | Increased theophylline levels, risk of toxicity | Reduce theophylline dose by ~50%; monitor serum levels | 2 |
Warfarin | CYP1A2, CYP2C9 | Increased prothrombin time (PT), risk of bleeding | Monitor PT/INR closely; adjust warfarin dose | 12 |
Propranolol | CYP1A2, CYP2C9 | Increased beta-blocker activity (e.g., bradycardia) | Monitor patient; reduce propranolol dose as needed | 12 |
Caffeine | CYP1A2 | Potentially reduced clearance of caffeine | Monitor for effects of increased caffeine levels | 5 |
Table 4: Summary of Significant Drug-Drug Interactions with Zileuton.
A significant factor contributing to the inter-individual variability in response to zileuton lies in the pharmacogenomics of its target enzyme, 5-lipoxygenase, which is encoded by the ALOX5 gene.[41] The promoter region of the
ALOX5 gene contains a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) of the sequence GGGCGG. The most common allele, considered the wild-type, contains five repeats. Variant alleles with fewer or more repeats exist and have been shown to affect the gene's expression and, consequently, the response to 5-LOX inhibitors.[41]
Clinical studies have demonstrated a clear association between these ALOX5 promoter polymorphisms and patient response to zileuton. Patients who are homozygous for the common five-repeat allele tend to show a more robust improvement in FEV1 when treated with zileuton. In contrast, patients carrying variant alleles often show a diminished response.[43] A similar association has been found for specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the gene, such as rs2115819.[42] This genetic variability provides a molecular basis for why some patients benefit more from zileuton than others. These findings suggest a potential future role for pharmacogenomic testing to stratify patients and personalize asthma therapy, identifying individuals who are most likely to respond favorably to 5-LOX inhibition.
On February 12, 2008, the immediate-release formulation of zileuton (Zyflo) was withdrawn from the U.S. market by its then-marketer, Critical Therapeutics.[8] It is crucial to understand that this was a commercial decision and not a mandatory recall initiated by the FDA for safety reasons.
An examination of SEC filings from that period reveals the underlying business rationale. The IR formulation struggled to gain significant market acceptance due to its inconvenient four-times-daily dosing regimen.[20] In a competitive landscape where other oral asthma medications offered once- or twice-daily dosing, the compliance burden of ZYFLO was a major disadvantage. Furthermore, physician perceptions about the necessity of frequent liver function monitoring were a barrier to prescription, with some viewing the requirement as inconvenient or indicative of a significant safety risk compared to alternatives.[20] The development and approval of the extended-release Zyflo CR, with its twice-daily dosing, was a direct strategic effort to address these commercial challenges and improve the drug's market position.[22]
Zileuton is a mechanistically distinct oral anti-inflammatory agent for the management of chronic asthma. Its unique action as a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor allows it to block the entire leukotriene synthesis pathway, offering a broader anti-inflammatory effect compared to leukotriene receptor antagonists. Clinical evidence supports its efficacy, demonstrating modest but statistically significant improvements in lung function and a reduction in asthma exacerbations.
However, its therapeutic utility is significantly tempered by two key factors. The first is the risk of hepatotoxicity, a dose-related effect linked to the metabolic bioactivation of the drug's benzothiophene core. This risk necessitates a rigorous and non-negotiable schedule of liver function monitoring, which can be a barrier for both patients and prescribers. The second factor is its potential for clinically significant drug-drug interactions through the inhibition of CYP1A2 and CYP2C9, requiring careful management of concomitant medications. These considerations, along with the availability of other effective and more conveniently administered asthma therapies, have positioned zileuton as an alternative or add-on therapy rather than a first-line agent.
Based on its comprehensive profile, the use of zileuton in clinical practice should be carefully considered.
Published at: June 19, 2025
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