Pirfenidone

Generic Details

Generic Name

Pirfenidone

Other Names

  • Esbriet

Drug Class

  • Antifibrotic

Chemical Formula

C12H11NO

Molecular Weight

185.22 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties

Indications

  • Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
  • Progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases

Common Dosage Forms

  • Tablet

Typical Dosage

  • 801 mg three times a day with food

Pediatric Dosage

  • Not recommended

Geriatric Dosage

  • Adjust dosage based on renal function

Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Rash
  • Dizziness
  • Decreased appetite

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to pirfenidone
  • Severe hepatic impairment

Pregnancy Category

  • Category C

Lactation Safety

  • Not recommended

Drug Interactions

  • CYP1A2 inhibitors
  • CYP1A2 inducers
  • P-glycoprotein inhibitors

Overdose Symptoms

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Abdominal pain

Antidote for Overdose

  • No specific antidote, manage symptoms

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature (20-25°C)

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Rapid and almost complete
  • Distribution: Extensively distributed
  • Metabolism: Primarily hepatic via CYP1A2
  • Excretion: Mainly through urine (unchanged drug)

Precautions

  • Monitor liver function tests
  • Regular monitoring of renal function

Warnings

  • Increased risk of photosensitivity reactions
  • May cause liver enzyme elevations

Others