About lamivudine
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor
Used for
- Treatment of HIV infection, with other HIV medicines
- Treatment of chronic hepatitis B
Usual adult dose
HIV: 150 mg twice daily or 300 mg once daily. Hepatitis B: 100 mg once daily; dosing varies with kidney function.
Usual dose in children
HIV: usually 4 mg/kg twice daily, maximum 150 mg per dose; dosing depends on age and weight.
Common side effects
- Headache
- Nausea or diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Rarely, pancreatitis or lactic acidosis
Important warnings
- HIV and hepatitis B doses differ; using the wrong dose can cause treatment failure or resistance.
- Do not stop suddenly if you have hepatitis B; severe flare-ups can occur.
- Kidney impairment may require dose adjustment.
- Seek urgent assessment for severe abdominal pain, unusual weakness, or breathing difficulty.
Pregnancy
Generally considered suitable during pregnancy when needed to treat HIV; use within a clinician-directed combination regimen.
Breastfeeding
HIV guidance generally recommends avoiding breastfeeding to prevent transmission. For hepatitis B, discuss individual risks with a clinician.
Interactions
- Trimethoprim may increase lamivudine levels.
- Sorbitol-containing medicines can reduce lamivudine absorption.
- Emtricitabine should not be taken with lamivudine.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.