Gefapixant tablets are specifically indicated for refractory chronic cough and serve as a symptomatic treatment. Correctly understanding its scope of indications and standard usage is fundamental to ensuring efficacy and safety.
I. Indications and Prerequisites for Use
1. Limited to Refractory Chronic Cough
(1) This product is indicated for chronic cough that persists despite comprehensive diagnostic workup and adequate prior treatment.
(2) "Refractory" means that after standard therapy has been administered for possible underlying causes (such as asthma, gastroesophageal reflux, upper airway cough syndrome, etc.), the cough symptoms remain unresolved.
2. Must Undergo Thorough Diagnostic Evaluation
(1) Before use, refer to the latest clinical guidelines and comprehensively assess medical history, occupational exposure, environmental factors, and examination results to rule out other serious pulmonary diseases.
(2) Only when cough remains uncontrolled after identifiable causes have been addressed should this product be considered.
3. It Is a Symptomatic Treatment Agent
(1) Gefapixant tablets exert their effect by inhibiting the cough reflex pathway, rather than targeting the root cause of cough.
(2) Therefore, concurrent management of the primary disease should not be neglected during treatment, and long-term indiscriminate use should be avoided. Regular assessment of efficacy and the necessity of continued therapy is required.
II. Standard Dosage and Administration
1. Adult Usual Dose
(1) The usual adult dose is 45 mg orally, twice daily.
(2) Take once in the morning and once in the evening, preferably at fixed times to help maintain stable plasma concentrations.
2. Not Affected by Meals
(1) Absorption of this product is not influenced by food; it may be taken with or without meals.
(2) Choose according to personal habit, but ensure that the dosing interval between the two daily doses is as evenly spaced as possible (e.g., 8 AM and 8 PM).
3. Correct Administration Method
(1) The tablets are round film-coated tablets and should be swallowed whole, not chewed or crushed.
(2) If packaged in a press-through package (PTP), be sure to push the tablet out of the blister before taking it. Do not swallow the aluminum foil together with the tablet.
III. Dose Adjustments in Special Populations
1. Dose Reduction in Severe Renal Impairment
(1) For patients with severe renal impairment not on dialysis (eGFR below 30), because drug clearance is reduced, the recommended dose is reduced to 45 mg once daily.
(2) Renal function should be closely monitored in such patients during treatment.
2. Elderly Patients Require Attention to Renal Function
(1) Elderly patients often have age-related decline in renal function, and since this drug is primarily excreted renally, the risk of adverse reactions may be increased.
(2) The physician will decide whether dose adjustment is needed based on renal function status; patients should not adjust the dose by themselves.
3. Regular Reassessment of Continued Use
(1) Since this product is symptomatic therapy, regular follow-up visits are necessary to evaluate cough improvement.
(2) If the response is poor or symptoms have markedly alleviated, the physician should determine whether to continue, reduce, or discontinue the drug to avoid prolonged purposeless use.
