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Therapeutic action
- Antiretroviral, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor
Indications
- HIV infection, in combination with other antiretrovirals
Forms and strengths
- 150 mg tablet
- 50 mg/5 ml oral solution
Dosage
The daily dose is administered once daily or in 2 divided doses.
- Child 1 month and over and adult:
| Weight | Daily dose | 50 mg/5 ml oral sol. | 150 mg tablet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 to < 6 kg | 60 mg | 3 ml x 2 | – |
| 6 to < 10 kg | 80 mg | 4 ml x 2 | – |
| 10 to < 14 kg | 120 mg | 6 ml x 2 | – |
| 14 to < 20 kg | 150 mg | – |
½ tab x 2 or 1 tab x 1 |
| 20 to < 25 kg | 225 mg | – |
½ tab morning and 1 tab evening or 1 ½ tab x 1 |
| ≥ 25 kg | 300 mg | – |
1 tab x 2 or 2 tab x 1 |
Duration
- Depending on the efficacy and tolerance of lamivudine.
Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions
- Administer with caution to patients with history of hepatic disorders.
- May cause: gastrointestinal disturbances (diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, etc.) and possibly: haematological disorders, especially when combined with zidovudine (neutropenia, anaemia, thrombocytopenia), myopathy, hepatic or pancreatic disorders.
- Reduce dosage in patients with renal impairment.
- Pregnancy: no contra-indication
Remarks
- In neonates, the dosage of lamivudine 50 mg/5 ml (i.e. 10 mg/ml) solution is:
- 2 to < 3 kg: 0.5 ml 2 times daily (daily dose: 10 mg)
- 3 to < 4 kg: 0.8 ml 2 times daily (daily dose: 16 mg)
- 4 to < 5 kg: 1 ml 2 times daily (daily dose: 20 mg)
- Lamivudine is also used for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis, in combination with other antiretrovirals.
- Also comes in fixed-dose combinations with other antiretrovirals. Preferably use these formulations when available.
Storage
Below 25 °C
Once opened, oral solution keeps for 30 days maximum.