Stavudine is an oral medication that is used for the treatment of infections with the human immunodeficiency virus HIV. It is in a class of drugs called reverse transcriptase inhibitors which also includes zalcitabine Hivid zidovudine Retrovir didanosine Videx and lamivudine Epivir. During infection with HIV the HIV virus multiplies within the bodys cells. The newly-formed viruses then are released from the cells and spread throughout the body where they infect other cells. In this manner the infection continually 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 enzyme that the virus uses to form this new DNA. Specifically stavudine is converted within the body to its active form stavudine triphosphate. This active form is similar to thymidine triphosphate a chemical that is required by the HIV virus to make new DNA. The reverse transcriptase uses stavudine triphosphate instead of thymidine triphosphate for making DNA and it is the stavudine triphosphate that interferes with the reverse transcriptase. Stavudine does not kill existing HIV virus and it is not a cure for HIV. Stavudine was approved by the FDA in June 1994.

The recommended dose for adults is 40 mg twice daily for those weighing 60 kg or more and 30 mg twice daily if less than 60 kg.

Children weighing less than 30 kg should receive 1 mg/kg. Children weighing 30 kg or more should be treated like adults.

Stavudine may be administered without regard to meals.

The most severe side effects are a decrease in blood cells muscle pain myopathy pancreatitis liver failure and metabolic disturbance lactic acidosis. Stavudine damages nerves and can cause a severe peripheral neuropathy a condition in which sensation in the legs and/or arms is altered or lost. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are tingling numbness and pain in the feet or hands. Other side effects include chills rash abdominal pain weight loss and insomnia.

Zidovudine prevents the conversion of stavudine to its active form stavudine triphosphate and this reduces the action of stavudine against the HIV virus. Therefore stavudine should not be combined with zidovudine.

Stavudine is used for the treatment of HIV infection.

Stavudine is also sometimes used in combination with other medications to prevent HIV infection in health care workers or other people who were accidentally exposed to HIV. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition. This medication may be prescribed for other uses ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Store capsules at room temperature 15-30°C 59-86°F. The dry powder for oral solution should be kept at room temperature and away form moisture. Solutions should be refrigerated.