Zerit

What is it?

An anti-HIV preparation and nucleoside reverse trancriptase inhibitor available as capsules in 4 strengths, all containing stavudine. Red/yellow, contain 15mg; brown, contain 20mg; pale orange/dark orange, contain 30mg; dark orange, contain 40mg. All are marked with strength, BMS and 1964, 1965, 1966 and 1967 respectively. Also, ZERIT ORAL SOLUTION, available as a powder for reconstitution containing 1mg of stavudine per ml.

Medical Uses

Along with other ant-viral drugs for treatment of HIV

Dosage

Adults, weighing less than 60kg, 30mg twice each day; weighing over 60kg, 40mg twice each day - all doses to be taken 1 hour before a meal or, if not possible, with a small meal. Children, aged over 3 months and weighing under 30kg, 1mg per kg of body weight twice each day. Weighing over 30kg, same as for adults.

Special Care

Elderly, pregnancy, obese women, liver disorders, hepatitis, raised liver enzyme levels, pancreatitis, intolerance to lactose, lactic acidosis. If liver disease becomes worse, drug should be withdrawn. Patients with previous damage to peripheral nerves should receive careful monitoring.

Avoid Use

Children aged under 3months, breastfeeding.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Trimethoprim, zidovudine.

Known Side Effects

Malaise, gastrointestinal upset, headache, disturbance to CNS, fever, pancreatitis, rise in levels of AST and ALT, skin irritation, pains, lymphadenopathy (disease of lymph system). If peripheral nerve damage is detected, treatment should be halted temporarily and resumed at half the previous dose if symptoms resolve. Drug should be withdrawn if growths occur.