Question 1

What is Pirfenidone used for?

Accepted Answer

Pirfenidone is indicated for: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, Pulmonary fibrosis (investigational).

Question 2

What routes can Pirfenidone be administered by?

Accepted Answer

Available routes: PO.

Question 3

Which species have cited Pirfenidone dosing data?

Accepted Answer

Pirfenidone dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 2 species: Cat (Domestic), Dog (Domestic).

Question 4

Is Pirfenidone a controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Pirfenidone is not federally scheduled as a controlled substance, but is veterinary prescription only in most jurisdictions.

Question 5

What are the warnings or contraindications for Pirfenidone?

Accepted Answer

Photosensitivity — limit sun exposure. GI upset, rash, elevated LFTs. Investigational for canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Question 6

What are the side effects of Pirfenidone?

Accepted Answer

Photosensitivity — limit sun exposure. GI upset, rash, elevated LFTs. Investigational for canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Question 7

How does Pirfenidone work?

Accepted Answer

Antifibrotic agent that reduces TGF-beta, PDGF, and TNF-alpha production, inhibiting fibroblast proliferation, collagen deposition, and pulmonary fibrosis progression.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	PO	10–25 mg/kg	q8h	Weak	Veterinary Pulmonology Literature Review
Cat (Domestic)	PO	10–20 mg/kg	q8-12h	Extrapolated	Veterinary Pulmonology Literature Review

Pirfenidone

Drug Class

Routes

Indications

Mechanism of Action

Side effects & warnings

Species with Pirfenidone dosing data (2 dose rules)

Evidence levels across 2 dose rules

Backed by a published primary source

Sample dosing (2 of 2 cited rules)

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