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Therapeutic action
- Antiretroviral, HIV-1 non nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor
Indications
- HIV-1 infection in neonates, in combination with other antiretrovirals
Forms and strengths
- 50 mg/5 ml oral suspension
Dosage
The daily dose is administered in 2 divided doses.
- Child under one month:
| Weight |
50 mg/5 ml oral suspension (10 mg/ml) |
|---|---|
| 2 to < 3 kg | 1.5 ml x 2 |
| 3 to < 4 kg | 2 ml x 2 |
| 4 to < 5 kg | 3 ml x 2 |
Duration
- Change to lopinavir/ritonavir granules (at 2 weeks of age) or dolutegravir dispersible tablet (at 4 weeks of age).
Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions
- May cause:
- cutaneous reactions sometimes severe (Stevens-Johnson and Lyell syndromes), hepatic disorders possibly severe (fulminant hepatitis) and haematological disorders. In these cases, stop nevirapine immediately and permanently;
- gastrointestinal disturbances (take with food to increase tolerance), headache, myalgia.
- Avoid combination with rifampicin (decreases the efficacy of nevirapine).
Remarks
- Nevirapine is also used for prophylactic treatment to reduce mother-to-child transmission and treatment of HIV-1 infection in children and adults, in combination with other antiretrovirals. Check national recommendations.
Storage
Below 25 °C
Once opened, oral suspension keeps for 2 months maximum.