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Last updated: November 2022
Therapeutic action
- Antiretroviral, HIV nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor
Indications
- HIV infection, in combination with other antiretrovirals
Forms and strengths
- Fixed-dose combinations with lamivudine (3TC):
- 120 mg abacavir/60 mg lamivudine breakable and dispersible tablet
- 600 mg abacavir/300 mg lamivudine tablet
Dosage
The daily dose can be administered once daily or in 2 divided doses.
- Child 1 month and over and adult:
|
Weight |
Daily dose ABC/3TC |
120/60 mg tablet |
600/300 mg tablet |
|---|---|---|---|
|
3 to < 6 kg |
120/60 mg |
½ tab x 2 or 1 tab x 1 |
– |
|
6 to < 10 kg |
180/90 mg |
½ tab morning and 1 tab evening or 1 ½ tab x 1 |
– |
|
10 to < 14 kg |
240/120 mg |
1 tab x 2 or 2 tab x 1 |
– |
|
14 to < 20 kg |
300/150 mg |
1 tab morning and 1 ½ tab evening or 2 ½ tab x 1 |
– |
|
20 to < 25 kg |
360/180 mg |
1 ½ tab x 2 or 3 tab x 1 |
– |
|
≥ 25 kg |
600/300 mg |
– |
1 tab x 1 |
Duration
- Depending on the efficacy and tolerance of abacavir.
Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions
- Do not administer to patients with severe hepatic impairment or history of hypersensitivity reaction to abacavir that led to discontinuation of treatment.
- Administer with caution to patients with hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia (might increase the risk of coronary disease).
- May cause:
- hypersensitivity reactions: fever, rash, gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain), pharyngitis, cough, dyspnoea, malaise, headache, lethargy, myalgia, arthralgia;
- lactic acidosis, pancreatitis and hepatic disorders.
In all these cases, stop taking abacavir immediately and permanently.
- Pregnancy: no contra-indication
Remarks
- Do not cut, crush or chew the 600/300 mg tablets.
Storage
–
– Below 25 °C