Lamivudine (3TC)
Lamivudine is a synthetic nucleoside analogue (NRTI) with activity against HIV-1 and HBV. It works by inhibiting viral reverse transcriptase, which prevents viral replication. It must always be used in combination with other antiretrovirals for HIV to prevent resistance.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosage depends on age, renal function, and indication (HIV vs HBV). For adults with HIV, the standard dose is 300 mg daily (either as 150 mg twice daily or 300 mg once daily). For pediatric patients, dosing is calculated by body weight using oral solution (10 mg/mL) or pediatric tablet formulations.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 2 mg/kg (for neonates under 30 days) or 4 mg/kg (infants)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Requires precise calculation by a healthcare specialist using oral solution.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 30 mg (3 mL of 10 mg/mL oral solution)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Can also be administered as 60 mg once daily if using approved once-daily regimens.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 45 mg (4.5 mL of 10 mg/mL oral solution)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Or 90 mg once daily depending on the specific clinical protocol.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 60 mg (6 mL of 10 mg/mL oral solution) or 1/2 of 150 mg tablet
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Or 120 mg once daily.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 75 mg (7.5 mL of 10 mg/mL oral solution) or 1/2 of 150 mg tablet
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Or 150 mg once daily. Split tablets should be used with caution to ensure accurate dosing.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 2 mg/kg (for neonates under 30 days) or 4 mg/kg (infants) | Twice daily | Requires precise calculation by a healthcare specialist using oral solution. |
| 5-7 kg | 30 mg (3 mL of 10 mg/mL oral solution) | Twice daily | Can also be administered as 60 mg once daily if using approved once-daily regimens. |
| 8-10 kg | 45 mg (4.5 mL of 10 mg/mL oral solution) | Twice daily | Or 90 mg once daily depending on the specific clinical protocol. |
| 11-15 kg | 60 mg (6 mL of 10 mg/mL oral solution) or 1/2 of 150 mg tablet | Twice daily | Or 120 mg once daily. |
| 16-20 kg | 75 mg (7.5 mL of 10 mg/mL oral solution) or 1/2 of 150 mg tablet | Twice daily | Or 150 mg once daily. Split tablets should be used with caution to ensure accurate dosing. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
Generic Name
LamivudineBranded Drug Names
Lamivudine (3TC) 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.