LAMIVUDINE = 3TC oral

Select language:
Permalink
On this page

    Last updated: November 2022

     

    Prescription under medical supervision

     

    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.