Ziagen
Ziagen is an antiretroviral medication containing abacavir sulfate, which belongs to the class of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). It works by blocking the reverse transcriptase enzyme, preventing HIV-1 from replicating and reducing the viral load in the body. Ziagen must always be used as part of a combination regimen. Patients must undergo screening for the HLA-B*5701 allele before starting treatment to minimize the risk of a severe, potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction.
Dosage by Body Weight
Adults and adolescents weighing at least 25 kg: The recommended oral dose is 600 mg daily, taken either as 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily. Pediatric patients (aged 3 months and older): Dosing is determined by body weight, typically using 8 mg/kg twice daily (up to 300 mg twice daily) or 16 mg/kg once daily (up to 600 mg once daily). Highly recommended to use the oral solution for precise dosing in smaller children.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients under 3 months of age or weighing less than 5 kg.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 40 mg to 56 mg (2 mL to 2.8 mL of 20 mg/mL oral solution)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Dosed based on 8 mg/kg twice daily. Use the oral solution for precise measurement.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 64 mg to 80 mg (3.2 mL to 4 mL of 20 mg/mL oral solution)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Monitor adherence closely; dosage adjustments may be needed as weight increases.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 88 mg to 120 mg (4.4 mL to 6 mL of oral solution) or 150 mg (half of a 300 mg tablet)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Scored tablets may be used if the child can reliably and safely swallow tablets.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 128 mg to 160 mg (6.4 mL to 8 mL of oral solution) or 150 mg (half of a 300 mg tablet)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Ensure patient is screened for the HLA-B*5701 genetic marker prior to initiating any abacavir-containing regimen.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients under 3 months of age or weighing less than 5 kg. |
| 5-7 kg | 40 mg to 56 mg (2 mL to 2.8 mL of 20 mg/mL oral solution) | Twice daily | Dosed based on 8 mg/kg twice daily. Use the oral solution for precise measurement. |
| 8-10 kg | 64 mg to 80 mg (3.2 mL to 4 mL of 20 mg/mL oral solution) | Twice daily | Monitor adherence closely; dosage adjustments may be needed as weight increases. |
| 11-15 kg | 88 mg to 120 mg (4.4 mL to 6 mL of oral solution) or 150 mg (half of a 300 mg tablet) | Twice daily | Scored tablets may be used if the child can reliably and safely swallow tablets. |
| 16-20 kg | 128 mg to 160 mg (6.4 mL to 8 mL of oral solution) or 150 mg (half of a 300 mg tablet) | Twice daily | Ensure patient is screened for the HLA-B*5701 genetic marker prior to initiating any abacavir-containing regimen. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) infection.
Generic Name
AbacavirScheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.