Delamanid dosage and usage time for a bottle of 60 tablets

Delamanid/Delamanid is suitable for pulmonary multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in adults, adolescents, children and infants weighing at least 10kg, where an effective treatment regimen cannot be formed due to drug resistance or tolerance. Its commonly used specification is 50mg × 60 tablets/bottle, which is a universal packaging format and is convenient for long-term oral management. The drug instructions suggest that the recommended dose for adult patients is 100 mg, taken orally twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, and the treatment cycle is usually 24 weeks. If the patient tolerates it well and clinical evaluation shows the necessity of continued treatment, the use time can be extended under the guidance of a physician, but use should not be extended beyond the prescribed period.

How the medication is taken is particularly important. Studies have shown that the absorption rate of delamanid is significantly higher when taken in a fed state than when taken on an empty stomach, so it is recommended to take it with food to increase its bioavailability. If taken on an empty stomach, the blood concentration may drop by nearly half, thus affecting the efficacy. Patients should maintain regular medication, try to take it at a fixed time, and avoid missing doses or taking repeated doses to reduce the risk of drug resistance.

In terms of combination therapy, delamanid is usually not used alone, but in combination with other anti-tuberculosis drugs, such as bedaquiline, linezolid or ciprofloxacin. The formulation of treatment plans needs to be based on a comprehensive assessment of the patient's strain resistance spectrum, previous treatment history, and adverse reactions. While taking the medication, doctors will regularly monitor electrocardiogram (QT interval), liver function and blood potassium levels to prevent potential side effects.

In general, 50 mg × 60 tablets of delamanid is suitable for an adult patient for about 15 days (calculated as 200 mg per day). As the supply gradually stabilizes after its launch in the Chinese market, access to its drugs will become more convenient, which will help promote the upgrade of the domestic drug-resistant tuberculosis management system and provide patients with safer and more efficient treatment options.

Reference: https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB11637