Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and respiratory depression

Question 1

What is Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?

Answer 1

Type of lung disease that results in scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs for an unknown reason
Over time, the scarring gets worse and it becomes hard to take in a deep breath and the lungs cannot take in enough oxygen

Question 2

Which drug can be used in mild to moderate Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?

Answer 2

Pirfenidone▼- believed to slow down progression by both antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties

Question 3

What drug in particular can Pirfenidone interact with?

Answer 3

Ciprofloxacin - reduce dose of Pirfenidone if used together

Question 4

Pirfenidone is usually titrated over 2 weeks. What should be done in the following scenarios:

1) if treatment is interrupted for more than 14 consecutive days
2) treatment is interrupted for less than 14 consecutive days

Answer 4

1) More than 14 days - Initial 2 week titration should be repeated
2) Less than 14 days - Can be resumed at the previous daily dose without titration

Question 5

Name a respiratory stimulant

Answer 5

Doxapram - only effective if given IV and has a short duration of action

Question 6

When are respiratory stimulants of value to patients?

Answer 6

1) When ventilatory support is C/I and in patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure
2) Short term - they may arouse patients sufficiently to co-operate and clear their secretions