About stavudine
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor
Used for
- Used with other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV infection.
Usual adult dose
Usually 30 mg or 40 mg by mouth every 12 hours, based on body weight and clinical guidance.
Usual dose in children
Usually 1 mg/kg by mouth every 12 hours; specialist dosing depends on age and weight.
Common side effects
- Peripheral neuropathy, causing numbness or pain
- Nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort
- Headache or fatigue
- Lactic acidosis or enlarged fatty liver, rarely
Important warnings
- Can cause serious nerve damage; risk increases with prolonged use.
- Rarely causes life-threatening lactic acidosis or severe liver problems.
- Not recommended with zidovudine or didanosine.
- HIV treatment requires combination therapy and monitoring.
Pregnancy
Generally avoided when alternatives are available because of serious toxicity concerns; treatment decisions require specialist guidance.
Breastfeeding
HIV can pass through breast milk; recommendations vary by country and clinical circumstances.
Interactions
- Zidovudine may reduce stavudine's antiviral effect.
- Didanosine can increase risk of serious toxicity.
- Hydroxyurea may increase risk of pancreatitis and nerve problems.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.