ABACAVIR (ABC)

Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) antiretroviral medicine.

Dosage Forms

Tablet

60 mg
300 mg

Syrup

20mg/ml

Uses

  • HIV/AIDS

Dose and Duration

HIV infection, first line treatment
Children < 3 years: dose as in table below (in combination with 3TC + NVP)
Children 3–10 years or adolescents <35 kg: dose as in table below (in combination with 3TC + EFV)
Weight (KG) Dose (Tablets of 60mg)
3-5.9 1 tab every 12 hours
6-9.9 1½ tabs every 12 hours
10–13.9 2 tabs every 12 hours
14–14.9 2½ tabs every 12 hours
20–24.9 3 tabs every 12 hours
25–34.9 Use adult dose
HIV infection, second line treatment
Adult and children >35 kg: 300 mg every 12 hours (in combination with 3TC + LPV/r or 3TC + ATV/r)
Children < 10 years: 8 mg/kg every 12 hours (in combination with 3TC + LPV/r)

Contraindications

  • Severe liver disease
  • Chronic alcoholism
  • Severe kidney disease

Side Effects

  • Severe kidney disease
  • Lactic acidosis
  • Liver damage
  • Rash
  • Stomach upset

Patient Instructions

  • Take medicine at the same time every day
  • Report immediately to a health worker if any skin rash, fever, nausea, diarrhoea, difficulty in breathing, cough, headache, or feeling of sickness/weakness occur

Pregnancy

  • Can be used

Breastfeeding

  • Can be used

⚠️ Caution

  • Stop the medicine immediately if any hypersensitivity reaction occurs (usually occurs in the first 6–8 weeks). Do not restart even after the symptoms have resolved