Indications
Gefapixant is used in adults to treat refractory or unexplained chronic cough, meaning a cough that has lasted 8 weeks or longer and has not improved after the usual causes (such as asthma, acid reflux or nasal drip) have been looked for and treated.
How It Works
Gefapixant blocks P2X3 receptors, which sit on sensory nerve fibres in the airways. In chronic cough these nerves are oversensitive and fire too easily, triggering the urge to cough. By blocking these receptors, Gefapixant calms the nerves and reduces how often a person coughs.
Dosage and Administration
The usual adult dose is 45 mg twice daily, with or without food, as prescribed. Swallow the tablet whole. People with severe kidney disease may need a lower dose, decided by the doctor. A specialist should first confirm that other causes of cough have been treated.
Interactions
No major interactions are well established. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, especially other medicines for cough and sulfonamide antibiotics, because Gefapixant has a sulfonamide-like structure.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Gefapixant or any ingredient of the tablet.
Side Effects
The most common side effect is a change in taste: loss of taste, reduced taste or an altered or metallic taste. This affects many users but usually goes away after stopping. Others include nausea, dry mouth, upper respiratory infections, reduced sense of smell and mouth discomfort.
Get urgent medical help if you develop swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, a widespread rash, or if your cough becomes worse with coughing up blood, chest pain or fever.
Pregnancy and Lactation
There is limited information on use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Use only if your doctor decides it is clearly needed.
Precautions and Warnings
Tell your doctor if you have a sulfonamide allergy or kidney disease. A new or changing cough, especially with weight loss, blood in the sputum or breathlessness, needs medical review rather than more cough medicine. Taste changes may affect appetite.
Overdose
There is little experience of overdose. Taste disturbance and other side effects may be stronger. Contact a doctor for advice; treatment is supportive.
Therapeutic Class
Antitussive (cough suppressant), P2X3 receptor antagonist.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.