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Lamivudine is an oral medication that is used for the treatment of infections with the human immunodeficiency HIV and hepatitis B viruses. It is in a class of drugs called reverse transcriptase inhibitors which also includes zalcitabine Hivid zidovudine Retrovir didanosine Videx and stavudine Zerit. During infection with HIV the HIV virus multiplies within the bodys cells. The viruses then are released from the cells and spread throughout the body where they infect other cells. In this manner HIV infection spreads to new uninfected cells that the body is continually producing and HIV infection is perpetuated. When producing new viruses the HIV virus must manufacture new DNA for each virus. Reverse transcriptase is the virus enzyme that forms this new DNA. Lamivudine first is converted within the body to its active form lamivudine triphosphate. This active form is similar to a chemical deoxycytidine triphosphate that is used by reverse transcriptase to make new DNA. The reverse transcriptase uses lamivudine triphosphate instead of deoxycytidine triphosphate and the lamivudine triphosphate interferes with the reverse transcriptase. Lamivudine does not kill existing HIV virus and it is not a cure for HIV. Lamivudine was approved by the FDA in 1995.

For the treatment of HIV infection the recommended dose for adults is 150 mg twice daily for those weighing 50 kg or more and 2 mg/kg twice daily if less than 50 kg.

Children 12 to 16 years old weighing 50 kg or more should receive 150 mg twice daily.

Children 3 months to 12 years old should be treated with 4 mg/kg twice daily up to a maximum dose of 300 mg daily.

For postexposure prevention of HIV infection 150 mg twice daily of lamivudine is administered in conjunction with 600 mg daily of zidovudine Retrovir for 28 days.

Hepatitis B is treated with 100 mg twice daily.

Lamivudine may be administered without regard to meals.

Side effects from lamivudine are common. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

diarrhea
headache
fatigue
chills
upset stomach
vomiting
loss of appetite
dizziness
trouble sleeping
depression
stuffy nose
cough
If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section call your doctor immediately:

rash
stomach pain
vomiting in children
upset stomach in children
fever
muscle pain
numbness tingling or burning in the fingers or toes

Lamivudine is used for the treatment of HIV infection prevention of HIV in those accidentally exposed to HIV and the treatment of the hepatitis B infection.

Lamivudine also is used in combination with zidovudine Retrovir AZT to treat health-care workers or other individuals exposed to HIV infection after accidental contact with HIV-contaminated blood tissues or other body fluids. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition. This medication may be prescribed for other uses ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Store tablets and solution at room temperature 15-30°C 59-86°F.