How many pills of pirfenidone (Asri) should be taken a day and reasonable dosage guide

Pirfenidone is an oral antifibrotic drug used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Its main function is to inhibit fibroblast proliferation, reduce collagen deposition, and regulate the activity of pro-fibrotic factors (such as TGF-β), thereby delaying the process of pulmonary fibrosis, improving patients' lung function, and alleviating dyspnea.

In order to reduce gastrointestinal and other side effects, pirfenidone adopts a gradually increasing dose strategy:

Days 0-14: 200mg each time, 3 times a day, taken with meals, total dose 600mg/days.

Days 15-28: 400mg each time, 3 times a day with meals, total dose 1,200mg/ day.

Days 29-42: 600mg each time, 3 times a day with meals, total dose 1,800mg/day.

Starting from the 43rd day: 400mg

This incremental strategy helps patients gradually adapt to the drug and reduce common side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, and rash.

After the patient completes the escalation period, the recommended maintenance dose is 800 mg each time 3 times a day with meals, for a total of 2,400mg/ days. During the maintenance period, patients should maintain regular medication, swallow the tablets whole, do not break or crush them, and try to take them at a fixed time to maintain stable blood concentration and ensure efficacy.

During the course of medication, patients need to regularly monitor liver function and blood routine. If there is an increase in liver enzymes, severe rash or gastrointestinal discomfort, they should contact the doctor in time. The dose may need to be adjusted or the increment time may need to be extended. Elderly patients or those with hepatic insufficiency should use it with caution. To ensure efficacy and safety, patients should strictly follow the doctor's instructions, not increase or decrease the dosage on their own, and maintain regular review and life management.

Reference materials:https://www.drugs.com/