Pirfenidone Medication Information

Get detailed information on Pirfenidone, including pronunciation, uses, dosage guidelines, indications, and instructions on how and when to take it and when to avoid it.

The updated prescription information on Pirfenidone provides an overview of possible side effects, precautions, warnings, and storage tips.

You'll also find brand names used in india and internationally, along with pricing details. For further clarification, consult your healthcare provider.

Generic Name : Pirfenidone

Pronunciation : pir-FEN-i-done

Therapeutic Classification : Miscellaneous

Trade Names/Brand Names of Pirfenidone

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Overview of Pirfenidone

Pirfenidone is a novel drug with anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties which improves lung function in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF).

Why is Pirfenidone Prescribed? (Indications)

Pirfenidone is prescribed for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis which is a severe irreversible disease marked by a progressive decline in lung function. The scarring of lungs is caused by some unknown origin.

The exact mechanism of action of pirfenidone is not known. Pirfenidone is thought to reduce the lung fibrosis (scarring and thickening of lungs) by decreasing the release or activity of naturally occurring substances in the body such as certain growth factors.

When should Pirfenidone not be taken? (Contraindications)

Pirfenidone is not recommended in patients with:

• End stage renal disease who require dialysis.
• Severe liver impairment or damage.

It is also contraindicated in patients taking fluvoxamine treatment.

What is the dosage of Pirfenidone?

• The recommended daily maintenance dosage for adults is 801mg (3 capsules of 267mg each) three times a day to be taken with food.
• The maximum daily dosage should not exceed 2403mg.

In treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the dosage can be started as per the following schedule:

From day 1 to 7 - 1 capsule per day
From day 7 to 14 - 2 capsules per day
From day 15 - 3 capsules per day

• Patients who miss pirfenidone for 14 days or more should restart the treatment with initial 2 week schedule to reach the full maintenance dosage schedule that starts from day 15.
• Patients who miss less than 14 days, the dosage before the interruption can be continued. They should not take two doses at the same time and more than three doses per day.

How should Pirfenidone be taken?

• Pirfenidone comes as a capsule to be taken by mouth.
• It is usually taken with food to avoid gastric discomfort.
• The capsules to be taken at the same time every day.

What are the warnings and precautions for Pirfenidone?

• Liver enzymes could increase during pirfenidone therapy. The levels to be monitored for either temporary dosage adjustment or discontinuation of the therapy.

• Rashes and sensitivity to sunlight, tanning beds and other fluorescent lamps can occur. Avoid direct sun exposure by using sunscreen (SPF- sun protection factor- 50 or even higher), protective clothing and sun glasses.

• The safety of pirfenidone in children is not known.

What are the side effects of Pirfenidone?

Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, gastritis, GERD (gastro oesophageal reflux disease), loss of appetite, indigestion, abdominal pain, abdominal distension
Skin: Photosensitivity, rash, itching and dry skin
Central Nervous System: Dizziness, insomnia, and fatigue
Respiratory: Sinusitis and upper respiratory infections
Others: Increased liver enzymes, joint pain, weight loss

What are the other precautions for Pirfenidone?

• Cigarette smoking during the therapy should be stopped as smoking causes increased clearance of drug from the body leading to decreased effectiveness of the drug.
• Increased calorie intake may be required in patients with excessive weight loss due to pirfenidone.

What are the Drug Interactions of Pirfenidone?

Increase in the toxicity of pirfenidone may occur with the following drugs and hence their combined use with pirfenidone should be avoided.

• Anti depressants such as fluvoxamine, fluoxetine and paroxetine
• Antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol

Decrease in the circulating plasma levels of pirfenidone could occur with drugs such as omeprazole.