STAVIR
STAVUDINE · by A. J. MIRZA
Composition
Cap 15 mg/20 mg/30 mg/40 mg: Stavudine 15 mg/20 mg/30 mg/40 mg.
Indications & Dosage
HIV infection in combination with other antiretroviral drugs when no suitable alternative available and when prescribed for shortest period possible: Adult (body-weight up to 60 kg): 30 mg every 12 hours, to be taken at least 1 hour before food; (body-weight 60 kg and above): 40 mg every 12 hours, to be taken at least 1 hour before food. Children 14 days old less than 30 kg: 1 mg/kg; Max: 80 mg/day, to be taken 12 hourly.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity.
Precautions
History of pancreatitis, history of peripheral neuropathy, lactic acidosis; Use with caution in patients with hepatomegaly, hepatitis, or other risk factors for liver disease and hepatic steatosis (including obesity and alcohol abuse). Discontinue treatment if symptoms of hyperlactataemia, lacticacidosis, progressive hepatomegaly or rapid deteriorationof liver function become apparent, renal impairment, elderly.
Interactions
Zidovudine, trimethoprim.
Pregnancy
Risk cannot be ruled out.
Lactation
Contraindicated or not recommended.
Side Effects
Cognitive dysfunction, depression, drowsiness, peripheral neuropathy, pruritus, anxiety, gynaecomastia, actic acidosis, lipodystrophy, elevation of AST & ALT, headache, chills, fever, asthenia, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, myalgia, rhinitis, cough, pharyngitis, skin irritation, rash