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stavudine (2,3 didehydro-3-deoxythymidine, d4T)
Zerit

Pregnancy Risk Category C

How supplied
Capsules:
15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg
Oral solution:
1 mg/ml

Action
A thymidine nucleoside analogue that prevents replication of retroviruses, including HIV, by inhibiting the enzyme reverse transcriptase and causing termination of DNA chain growth.

Indications & dosage
HIV-infected patients who have received prolonged prior zidovudine therapy-

Adults weighing 60 kg (132 lb) or more:
40 mg P.O. q 12 hours.
Adults under 60 kg:
30 mg P.O. q 12 hours.
Children:
2 mg/kg/day P.O. in divided doses q 12 hours for children under 30 kg (66 lb); adult dose should be used for children 30 kg or more.
Adjust-a-dose:
For patients with renal impairment, if creatinine clearance is 26 to 50 ml/minute, 20 mg (if weight exceeds 60 kg) or 15 mg (if weight is below 60 kg) P.O. q 12 hours; if creatinine clearance is 10 to 25 ml/minute, 20 mg (if weight exceeds 60 kg) or 15 mg (if weight is below 60 kg) P.O. q 24 hours.

Adverse reactions
CNS:
peripheral neuropathy, headache, malaise, insomnia, anxiety, asthenia, depression, nervousness, dizziness.
CV:
chest pain.
EENT:
conjunctivitis.
GI:
abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, dyspepsia, constipation, weight loss, pancreatitis.
Hematologic:
neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, increased AST and ALT levels.
Hepatic: hepatotoxicity.
Musculoskeletal:
arthralgia, myalgia, back pain.
Respiratory:
dyspnea.
Skin:
rash, diaphoresis, pruritus, maculopapular rash.
Other:
chills, fever

Interactions
None significant.

Effects on diagnostic tests
None reported.

Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug.

Nursing considerations

Patient teaching

*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine.  †Canada  ‡Australia  §U.K.  OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING

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