Interstitial (Nonidiopathic) Pulmonary Fibrosis Medication

Author: Eleanor M Summerhill, MD, FACP, FCCP; Chief Editor: Zab Mosenifar, MD more...

Updated: Jun 13, 2011

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Medication Summary
Corticosteroids
Cytotoxics
Anti-inflammatories
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Medication Summary

Medications are best used for specific diagnoses. However, corticosteroids, cytotoxic agents, and, more recently, antifibrotics, antioxidants, and other immunosuppressive agents have been used with varying success in some forms of DPLD.

In general, NSIP, DIP, and COP have been found to be more responsive to corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapies. UIP is generally thought to be unresponsive to these modalities, and thus, additional research in the form of clinical trials evaluating potentially promising agents continues. RBILD responds to smoking cessation.

Class Summary

Have anti-inflammatory properties and cause profound and varied metabolic effects. In addition, modify body's immune response to diverse stimuli.

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Prednisone (Sterapred)

Used as immunosuppressant in treatment of autoimmune disorders. By reversing increased capillary permeability and suppressing PMN activity, may decrease inflammation. Oral corticosteroid with relatively less mineralocorticoid activity.

Best prescribed in consultation with a pulmonary disease specialist.

Class Summary

Used for some of their immunosuppressant properties.

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Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar)

Chemically related to nitrogen mustards. As an alkylating agent, mechanism of action of active metabolites may involve cross-linking of DNA, which may interfere with growth of normal and neoplastic cells of immune system. Possibly a steroid-sparing medication.

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Azathioprine (Imuran)

Inhibits mitosis and cellular metabolism by antagonizing purine metabolism and inhibiting synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins. These effects may decrease proliferation of immune cells and result in lower autoimmune activity. Possibly a steroid-sparing medication.

Class Summary

Immunosuppressive effects may inhibit cellular division and fibrosis.

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Colchicine

Decreases leukocyte motility and phagocytosis observed in inflammatory responses.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Eleanor M Summerhill, MD, FACP, FCCP Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University; Director, Internal Medicine Residency Program, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island

Eleanor M Summerhill, MD, FACP, FCCP is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Physicians, American Thoracic Society, Association of Program Directors in Internal Medicine, and Rhode Island Medical Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Stephen P Peters, MD, PhD, FACP, FAAAAI, FCCP, FCPP Professor of Genomics and Personalized Medicine Research, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics, Associate Director, Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine Research, Director of Research, Section on Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Immunologic Diseases, Wake Forest University School of Medicine

Stephen P Peters, MD, PhD, FACP, FAAAAI, FCCP, FCPP is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, American Association of Immunologists, American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Physicians, American Federation for Medical Research, American Thoracic Society, and Sigma Xi

Disclosure: See below for list of all activities None None

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Daniel R Ouellette, MD, FCCP Associate Professor of Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine Service, Henry Ford Health System

Daniel R Ouellette, MD, FCCP is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Chest Physicians and American Thoracic Society

Disclosure: Boehringer Ingleheim Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Pfizer Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Astra Zeneca Honoraria Speaking and teaching

Timothy D Rice, MD Associate Professor, Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, St Louis University School of Medicine

Timothy D Rice, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Physicians

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Zab Mosenifar, MD Director, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Director, Women's Guild Pulmonary Disease Institute, Professor and Executive Vice Chair, Department of Medicine, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine

Zab Mosenifar, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Physicians, American Federation for Medical Research, and American Thoracic Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Acknowledgments

The authors and editors of eMedicine gratefully acknowledge the contributions of previous author Robert S. Crausman, MD, MMS, to the development and writing of this article.

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