Products
Lamivudine is commercially available as film-coated tablets and as an oral solution (3TC, generic, combination). It has been approved in many countries since 1996. Lamivudine is also administered for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. This article refers to therapy for HIV. Generic medications are approved.
Structure and Properties
Lamivudine (C8H11N3O3S, Mr = 229.3 g/mol) exists as a white powder that is soluble in water. It is structurally closely related to the fluorinated emtricitabine (Emtriva). Lamivudine is a dideoxy analog of cytidine.
Effects
Lamivudine (ATC J05AF05) has antiviral properties against HIV. The effects are due to inhibition of the viral enzyme reverse transcriptase, which transcribes viral RNA into DNA and is important in viral replication. The activated agent is incorporated into DNA and leads to chain termination.
Indications
- For treatment of infection with HIV as part of combination antiretroviral therapy.
- Chronic hepatitis B (this article refers to HIV).
Dosage
According to the professional information. The drugs are taken once or twice a day, regardless of meals.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Concurrent administration of high doses of cotrimoxazole.
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
Drug-drug interactions are possible with tubular-secreted drugs, cotrimoxazole, and zalcitabine.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include headache, nausea, feeling sick, fatigue, diarrhea, and cough. Lamivudine can rarely cause dangerous lactic acidosis and liver enlargement.
