Nevipan
Nevipan contains Nevirapine, a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) used in the management and treatment of HIV-1 infection. It works by directly inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme, thereby preventing the virus from replicating. It must always be used in combination with at least two other antiretroviral medications to prevent the development of drug resistance.
Dosage by Body Weight
Must be prescribed and monitored strictly by an HIV specialist. For adults, therapy typically initiates with a lead-in dose of 200 mg once daily for the first 14 days (to reduce the incidence of severe skin rash), followed by a maintenance dose of 200 mg twice daily. Pediatric doses must be carefully calculated based on body surface area or body weight.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Requires specialist calculation (typically 4 mg/kg)
- Frequency
- Once daily for 14 days (lead-in), then twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Highly critical lead-in dosing phase. Close monitoring for clinical adverse effects, particularly hepatotoxicity and severe rash, is required.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 20 mg to 28 mg (approx. 2 mL to 2.8 mL of 10 mg/mL suspension)
- Frequency
- Once daily for 14 days, then twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Escalate to maintenance dose (typically 150 mg/m² or 7 mg/kg twice daily) only if no rash or adverse events occur during the lead-in period.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 32 mg to 40 mg (approx. 3.2 mL to 4 mL of 10 mg/mL suspension)
- Frequency
- Once daily for 14 days, then twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Dosing should ideally be based on Body Surface Area (BSA) calculations where possible. May be taken with or without food.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 44 mg to 60 mg (approx. 4.4 mL to 6 mL of 10 mg/mL suspension)
- Frequency
- Once daily for 14 days, then twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Strict adherence to the twice-daily regimen after the initial 14-day lead-in period is necessary to maintain viral suppression.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 64 mg to 80 mg (or 50 mg pediatric tablet options where appropriate)
- Frequency
- Once daily for 14 days, then twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Transitioning to pediatric tablets can be considered at this weight class if the child can safely swallow solid dosage forms.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Requires specialist calculation (typically 4 mg/kg) | Once daily for 14 days (lead-in), then twice daily | Highly critical lead-in dosing phase. Close monitoring for clinical adverse effects, particularly hepatotoxicity and severe rash, is required. |
| 5-7 kg | 20 mg to 28 mg (approx. 2 mL to 2.8 mL of 10 mg/mL suspension) | Once daily for 14 days, then twice daily | Escalate to maintenance dose (typically 150 mg/m² or 7 mg/kg twice daily) only if no rash or adverse events occur during the lead-in period. |
| 8-10 kg | 32 mg to 40 mg (approx. 3.2 mL to 4 mL of 10 mg/mL suspension) | Once daily for 14 days, then twice daily | Dosing should ideally be based on Body Surface Area (BSA) calculations where possible. May be taken with or without food. |
| 11-15 kg | 44 mg to 60 mg (approx. 4.4 mL to 6 mL of 10 mg/mL suspension) | Once daily for 14 days, then twice daily | Strict adherence to the twice-daily regimen after the initial 14-day lead-in period is necessary to maintain viral suppression. |
| 16-20 kg | 64 mg to 80 mg (or 50 mg pediatric tablet options where appropriate) | Once daily for 14 days, then twice daily | Transitioning to pediatric tablets can be considered at this weight class if the child can safely swallow solid dosage forms. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection and to prevent vertical (mother-to-child) transmission of HIV-1.
Generic Name
NevirapineScheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.