Lamivudine and Zidovudine Tablets

Generic name: Lamivudine and Zidovudine

Drug class: Antiretroviral agents

Dosage form: Tablets

Route of administration: Oral

Dose: The recommended adult dose is one tablet twice daily, each containing 150 mg of lamivudine and 300 mg of zidovudine. Pediatric dosing varies based on weight and should be determined by a healthcare provider.

Mechanism of action: Lamivudine and zidovudine are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) that inhibit the reverse transcriptase enzyme, preventing the replication of HIV-1 by incorporating into the viral DNA and causing chain termination.

Drug usage cases:

• Management of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients
• Prevention of maternal-to-child transmission of HIV-1 during labor and delivery

Drug contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to lamivudine, zidovudine, or any component of the formulation
• Concurrent use with other zidovudine-containing products
• Severe hepatic impairment
• Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <50 mL/min) without appropriate dose adjustment

Side effects:

• Hematologic: Anemia, neutropenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia
• Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
• Neurological: Headache, dizziness, insomnia
• Musculoskeletal: Myopathy, myositis
• Metabolic: Lactic acidosis, hepatic steatosis, hyperlipidemia
• Endocrine: Lipoatrophy, lipodystrophy
• Renal: Renal tubular dysfunction, nephrotoxicity
• Hypersensitivity reactions: Rash, fever, eosinophilia

Warnings:

• Hematologic: Monitor blood counts regularly; dose adjustments may be necessary in cases of significant hematologic toxicity
• Hepatic: Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment; monitor liver function tests
• Renal: Dose adjustments required in patients with renal impairment; monitor renal function
• Lactic acidosis: Risk of lactic acidosis; discontinue therapy if symptoms occur
• Drug interactions: Potential interactions with other antiretroviral agents and medications; consult a healthcare provider before starting new medications
• Resistance: Not recommended for use as monotherapy due to the risk of developing resistance

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding:

Pregnancy: Category C. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Zidovudine has been shown to reduce the risk of perinatal HIV transmission and is recommended during labor and delivery for HIV-infected women.

Breastfeeding: Both lamivudine and zidovudine are excreted in human milk. HIV-infected mothers should not breastfeed to avoid postnatal transmission of HIV. Non-HIV-infected mothers should consult a healthcare provider before breastfeeding while on this medication.