Epivir
Epivir (lamivudine) is a synthetic nucleoside analogue with activity against HIV-1 and HBV. It works by inhibiting the activity of the HIV reverse transcriptase enzyme, which prevents the virus from replicating and reducing the viral load in the body.
Dosage by Body Weight
Adults: The recommended oral dose is 300 mg daily, administered either as 150 mg twice daily or 300 mg once daily. Pediatric patients (3 months and older): Dosing is based on body weight, typically 4 mg/kg twice daily up to a maximum of 300 mg daily. Can be taken with or without food. Must be used in combination with other antiretroviral agents.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Dose must be individualized (typically 2 mg/kg to 4 mg/kg)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Requires precise calculation using the 10 mg/mL oral solution. Not routinely administered without specialist pediatric HIV guidance.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 2.0 mL to 2.8 mL (20 mg to 28 mg) of 10 mg/mL oral solution
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Calculated based on 4 mg/kg body weight per dose.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 3.2 mL to 4.0 mL (32 mg to 40 mg) of 10 mg/mL oral solution
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Calculated based on 4 mg/kg body weight per dose.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 4.4 mL to 6.0 mL (44 mg to 60 mg) of 10 mg/mL oral solution
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Calculated based on 4 mg/kg body weight per dose. Oral solution is preferred, but scored tablets can be used if the child can reliably swallow them.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 6.4 mL to 8.0 mL (64 mg to 80 mg) of 10 mg/mL oral solution
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Calculated based on 4 mg/kg body weight per dose. Scored tablets may be considered.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Dose must be individualized (typically 2 mg/kg to 4 mg/kg) | Twice daily | Requires precise calculation using the 10 mg/mL oral solution. Not routinely administered without specialist pediatric HIV guidance. |
| 5-7 kg | 2.0 mL to 2.8 mL (20 mg to 28 mg) of 10 mg/mL oral solution | Twice daily | Calculated based on 4 mg/kg body weight per dose. |
| 8-10 kg | 3.2 mL to 4.0 mL (32 mg to 40 mg) of 10 mg/mL oral solution | Twice daily | Calculated based on 4 mg/kg body weight per dose. |
| 11-15 kg | 4.4 mL to 6.0 mL (44 mg to 60 mg) of 10 mg/mL oral solution | Twice daily | Calculated based on 4 mg/kg body weight per dose. Oral solution is preferred, but scored tablets can be used if the child can reliably swallow them. |
| 16-20 kg | 6.4 mL to 8.0 mL (64 mg to 80 mg) of 10 mg/mL oral solution | Twice daily | Calculated based on 4 mg/kg body weight per dose. Scored tablets may be considered. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) infection.
Generic Name
LamivudineScheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.