৳ 140/unit
Pack: ৳ 140
৳ 140/unit
Pack: ৳ 140
At a glance
Efavirenz is an antiretroviral medicine used in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. It blocks HIV replication and improves immune function.
Indications
- HIV-1 infection (in combination with other antiretroviral agents)
Pharmacology
Efavirenz is a synthetic antiretroviral agent, a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). It blocks RNA- and DNA-dependent polymerase activities including HIV-1 replication.
Dosage
Adult Dose: 600 mg once daily, in combination with other antiretrovirals. Dosing at bedtime recommended during first 2-4 weeks to improve tolerability.
Child Dose (>3 years): Weight-based: 10-14 kg: 200 mg; 15-19 kg: 250 mg; 20-24 kg: 300 mg; 25-32.4 kg: 350 mg; 32.5-39 kg: 400 mg; >40 kg: 600 mg. Once daily.
Hepatic Dose: Mild (Child-Pugh A): No adjustment needed, use caution; Moderate-severe (B or C): Not recommended.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Agranulocytosis
- Insomnia
- Sleepiness
- Vomiting
- Allergic reaction
- Nausea
- Abnormal dreams
- Fatigue
- Increased liver enzymes
- Anxiety
- Fever
- Itching
- Difficulty in paying attention
- Increased triglycerides
- Rash
Serious: Lipodystrophy, osteonecrosis, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia
Use in pregnancy
Efavirenz is unsafe during pregnancy. There is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, doctor may prescribe in life-threatening situations if benefits outweigh risks.
Pregnancy Category: D — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Precautions & warnings
- Efavirenz is used in combination with other medicines for HIV treatment.
- Take on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime to reduce side effects.
- Do not skip doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
- HIV or HBV can be passed to others. Don't share needles or personal items.
- Liver function will be monitored regularly. Inform doctor if yellowing of eyes/skin, dark urine, or stomach pain occurs.
- Dizziness or abnormal dreams may occur during initial days. Consult doctor if bothersome.
- Use reliable contraception while taking this medicine.
Overdose effects
Symptoms: Increased CNS adverse effects including involuntary muscle contractions. Management: Supportive and symptomatic treatment. May administer activated charcoal.
Storage conditions
Store at 25°C.