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All price changes →Indications & Uses
Gefapixant Citrate tablet is used to treat refractory chronic cough or unexplained chronic cough in adults.
Pharmacology
Gefapixant is a selective antagonist of the P2X3 receptor. These receptors belong to the family of purinergic receptors and work as ATP-dependent ion channels. They are also found on the sensory C-fibers of the vagus nerve in the airways. C-fibers get activated when there is inflammation or when chemical irritants are present.
In inflammatory conditions, the mucosal cells of the respiratory tract release ATP. When this extracellular ATP binds to P2X3 receptors, the C-fibers read it as a damage signal, and it is felt as a coughing stimulus, which then triggers the cough reflex. Gefapixant blocks the ATP-mediated activation of P2X3 receptors, which are thought to be responsible for chronic cough.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Gefapixant should be started and monitored by doctors who have experience in managing patients with chronic cough disorders.
Adult patients: the dose is one 45 mg tablet by mouth twice daily, with or without food. Patients should be told that if they miss a dose, they should skip it and take the next dose at the usual time.
Use in elderly patients: no dose adjustment of Gefapixant is needed because of age, and no age-specific differences in its efficacy or safety have been established. The medicine is mainly cleared by the kidneys. Older patients are more likely to have impaired kidney function, so the risk of adverse effects may be higher in them. Caution should be taken with the initial dosing frequency.
Use in the pediatric population: the safety and efficacy of Gefapixant have not been established in patients below 18 years of age.
Obstructive sleep apnea: Gefapixant should not be used in patients with refractory chronic cough or unexplained chronic cough who also have obstructive sleep apnoea.
Patients with liver disease: Gefapixant has not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment.
Patients with renal impairment: for patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR<30 ml/minute/1.73 m2) who are not on dialysis, the recommended dose of Gefapixant is one 45 mg tablet once daily, with or without food. No dose adjustment is needed in patients with mild or moderate renal impairment (eGFR >30 ml/minute/1.73 m2). In patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 ml/minute/1.73 m2) who do not need dialysis, the dose of Gefapixant should be adjusted.
Effect on driving ability and on the use of machines: patients may feel dizzy after using Gefapixant, and this may affect their ability to drive and use machines.
Side Effects
Gefapixant Citrate most often causes problems with taste. These are dysgeusia, ageusia and hypogeusia, and they are very common. Frequent side effects include upper respiratory tract infections, decreased appetite, taste disturbance, dizziness, nausea and diarrhea. Dry mouth, hypersalivation, epigastric pain, dyspepsia, oral hypoesthesia and oral paresthesia are also seen, along with a few others. Occasionally, people develop urinary stones, bladder stones or nephrolithiasis.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Take care when giving Gefapixant Citrate to patients who are known to be hypersensitive to sulphonamides.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
No one has studied the use of Gefapixant in pregnant women. As a precaution, Gefapixant is not recommended during pregnancy, or for women who could become pregnant and are not using contraception.
It isn't known whether gefapixant passes into human breast milk, affects milk formation, or has any effect on a breastfed baby. In animal studies, gefapixant was detected in milk.
Fertility
There are no clinical data on how Gefapixant affects fertility in humans. Animal studies showed no impairment of fertility.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Overdose
After an overdose of Gefapixant Citrate, the patient should be watched for adverse reactions, and treatment for any symptoms should be started as needed. Hemodialysis removes Gefapixant Citrate only in part.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Keep Gefapixant Citrate in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect it from light, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Gefapix 45 mg
What is Gefapix 45 mg Tablet?
Gefapix 45 mg Tablet is a medicine that contains Gefapixant Citrate. It is made by Square Pharmaceuticals PLC, Pabna.
What is Gefapix used for?
Gefapixant Citrate tablet is used to treat refractory chronic cough or unexplained chronic cough in adults.
What are the side effects of Gefapix?
Gefapixant Citrate most often causes problems with taste. These are dysgeusia, ageusia and hypogeusia, and they are very common.
Can I take Gefapix during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
No one has studied the use of Gefapixant in pregnant women. As a precaution, Gefapixant is not recommended during pregnancy, or for women who could become pregnant and are not using contraception. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Gefapix?
After an overdose of Gefapixant Citrate, the patient should be watched for adverse reactions, and treatment for any symptoms should be started as needed. Hemodialysis removes Gefapixant Citrate only in part. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Gefapix?
Keep Gefapixant Citrate in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect it from light, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Is there a cheaper medicine with the same ingredient?
Gefapix is already among the lowest-priced brands of Gefapixant Citrate at this strength.
Do I need a prescription for Gefapix?
Gefapix is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.