About lamivudine
Antiretroviral nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor combination
Used for
- Treats HIV-1 infection, with other antiretroviral medicines.
Usual adult dose
One tablet twice daily, usually alongside other HIV medicines.
Usual dose in children
For children weighing at least 30 kg: one tablet twice daily; lower weights require separate medicines and dosing.
Common side effects
- Headache, nausea, tiredness, cough
- Low red or white blood cell counts
- Rarely, lactic acidosis or liver enlargement
Important warnings
- Not a complete HIV treatment by itself.
- Do not stop abruptly without medical supervision; HIV may worsen.
- Avoid duplicate lamivudine or zidovudine products.
- Dose adjustment or alternative treatment may be needed with kidney disease or anemia.
Pregnancy
Lamivudine and zidovudine are used during pregnancy when appropriate; treatment decisions depend on the full HIV regimen.
Breastfeeding
HIV can pass through breast milk; breastfeeding recommendations depend on local guidance and individual circumstances.
Interactions
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole can increase lamivudine exposure.
- Ribavirin may worsen zidovudine-related anemia.
- Other zidovudine or lamivudine products can cause duplicate dosing.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.