Stavudine (Zerit and Zerit XR) Side Effects, Dosage, Interaction Information

What is Stavudine (Zerit and Zerit XR)?

Stavudine is a type of antiviral agents. Stavudine belongs to category of reverse transcriptase inhibitors drugs.

It is a synthetic thymidine nucleoside analogue that possesses virustatic activity against human immune deficiency virus type 1 (HIV1) and type 2 (HIV2). Stavudine (2′-3′-didehydro-2′-3′-dideoxythymidine, d4T, brand name Zerit) is a nucleotide analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NARTI) active against HIV.

Indication/Contraindication for use of Stavudine (Zerit and Zerit XR)

• Treatment of HIV infected patients who have received prolonged prior zidovudine therapy.
• Hypersensitivity.

Side Effects of Stavudine (Zerit and Zerit XR)

Peripheral neuropathy, elevation of hepatic transaminase, headache, chills/fever, diarrhea, rash, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, pancreatitis, myalgia and insomnia.

Dosage and Presribing Information for Stavudine (Zerit and Zerit XR)

Adults: 40mg twice daily for patients > 60 kg. 30mg twice daily for patients < 60 kg. Paddiatrics : Starting dose for paediatric patients weighing less than 30 kg is 1mg/kg/dose, given every 12 hours. Patients should be monitored for the development of peripheral neuropathy.

Precautions while prescribing Stavudine (Zerit and Zerit XR)

Lactic acidosis/severe hepatitides with steatosis, Peripheral neuropathy, Pregnancy, Nursing mothers, Renal Insufficiency.