Abacavir Sulfate
Abacavir sulfate is a nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). It works by blocking the HIV reverse transcriptase enzyme, preventing the virus from replicating. Before starting treatment, patients must be screened for the HLA-B*5701 genetic allele, as those carrying this marker are at high risk for a severe and potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction.
Dosage by Body Weight
The standard adult dose is 600 mg daily, taken either as 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily. Pediatric dosing is based on body weight, using oral solution (20 mg/mL) or scored/dispersible tablets. It can be taken with or without food.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 8 mg/kg
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy not well-established for infants under 3 months of age. Dose must be meticulously calculated using oral solution.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 60 mg (3 mL of 20 mg/mL oral solution)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Genetic screening for HLA-B*5701 must return negative before initiating therapy.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 100 mg (5 mL of 20 mg/mL oral solution)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Alternatively, 150 mg (half of a 300 mg tablet) once daily may be used if recommended by the specialist.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 150 mg (7.5 mL oral solution or half of a 300 mg tablet)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Alternatively, 300 mg (one tablet) once daily can be prescribed.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 150 mg (half of a 300 mg tablet) in the morning and 150 mg in the evening
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- A single dose of 300 mg (one whole tablet) once daily is also an acceptable regimen.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 8 mg/kg | Twice daily | Safety and efficacy not well-established for infants under 3 months of age. Dose must be meticulously calculated using oral solution. |
| 5-7 kg | 60 mg (3 mL of 20 mg/mL oral solution) | Twice daily | Genetic screening for HLA-B*5701 must return negative before initiating therapy. |
| 8-10 kg | 100 mg (5 mL of 20 mg/mL oral solution) | Twice daily | Alternatively, 150 mg (half of a 300 mg tablet) once daily may be used if recommended by the specialist. |
| 11-15 kg | 150 mg (7.5 mL oral solution or half of a 300 mg tablet) | Twice daily | Alternatively, 300 mg (one tablet) once daily can be prescribed. |
| 16-20 kg | 150 mg (half of a 300 mg tablet) in the morning and 150 mg in the evening | Twice daily | A single dose of 300 mg (one whole tablet) once daily is also an acceptable regimen. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) infection.
Generic Name
Abacavir SulfateBranded Drug Names
Abacavir Sulfate is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.