Duovir

Details

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Lamivudine 150mg + Zidovudine 300mg tablets are antiretroviral drugs. These are majorly used for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (H.I.V). It is given in the combination of both the drugs Lamivudine and Zidovudine and they are film-coated tablets. It is also known as Duovir all over the world.

 

How does it work?

When the drug is administered into the body it acts by inhibiting the H.I.V. reverse transcriptase enzyme and acts by terminating the DNA synthesis of H.I.V. It is a competitive inhibitor and prevents the damage of the body’s immune system. It doesn’t cure H.I.V completely.

 

Dosage:

• Lamivudine can also be used as a single dose medicine but it is more effective along with Zidovudine.
• As they are film-coated and in the form of capsules the route of administration is oral. Each capsule contains Lamivudine 150mg + Zidovudine 300mg Tablets.
• The individual above 30 kgs should take tablets twice a day.
• The dose of the drug is changed depending on the condition of patients.
• For a good and speedy response, Duovir is taken in the prescribed time by the doctor. It can be taken along with food or without food.

 

Adverse effects:

• The common symptoms of Lamivudine 150mg + Zidovudine 300mg Tablets include nausea, sweating, diarrhoea etc.,
• There are chances of autoimmune disorders which are rare but observed after administration of drugs for a short period of time.
• Your body shows symptoms of skin burn, fever, and flu which is due to zidovudine that weakens the immune system.
• If you experience Troubled breathing or stomach pain for a long time, then immediately consult the doctor.
• You might also have chances of deduction in white blood cell count (W.B.C).

 

Contraindications:

• It is advised to consult the doctor before taking Lamivudine 150mg + Zidovudine 300mg Tablets to avoid any kind of allergic reactions.
• In case of renal impairment infections, you should avoid taking these drugs and visit the doctor so that he instructs you about the administration of the drug.
• It is better to consult your physician before taking Duovir if you have been detected with any liver cirrhosis or infections.
• There is a possibility in the activation of hepatitis-B if you had previously been diagnosed with it.
• It is contraindicated in pregnancy as it may cause some serious side effects to the foetus.
• It should be avoided in case of lactating mother as some amount of the drug is excreted through milk which can affect the baby.

 

Precautions:

• Separate doses of Lamivudine and Zidovudine are given if there is a necessity for dose adjustment in Duovir.
• The patients should be closely monitored by the doctor as there might be chances of an infection.

These medications should be kept away from the children.