Stavudine

It is a synthetic thymidine nucleoside analogue that possesses virustatic activity against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and type 2 (HIV-2).

Indications

Treatment of HIV-infected patients who have received prolonged prior zidovudine therapy.

Dosage

Adults: 40mg twice daily for patients ³ 60 kg. 30mg twice daily for patients han 30 kg is 1mg/kg/dose, given every 12 hours. Patients should be monitored for the development of peripheral neuropathy.

Contra-Indications

Hypersensitivity.

Special Precautions

Lactic acidosis/severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, Peripheral neuropathy, Pregnancy, Nursing mothers, Renal Insufficiency.

Side Effects

Peripheral neuropathy, elevation of hepatic transaminases, headache, chills/fever, diarrhoea, rash, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, pancreatitis, myalgia and insomnia.