Stavudine

Drug Information

Zerit, the brand name for Stavudine, is a very important drug in the treatment of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). It prevents the disease-causing virus, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) to multiply and spread in the affected body. One should not be confused that it is a remedy or cure to the cursed disease. Treatment of some other ailments not specified over here can also be done with this drugs’ prescription. The medicine is usually available in capsules in the range of 40mg to 15mg or as an oral solution.

Mechanism

The basic ingredient of Zerit is Stavudine. It is a NARTI (nucleoside analog reverse-transcriptase inhibitor). NARTI is nothing but a thymidine analog. The cellular kinases phosphorylate the NARTI (Stavudine) into Stavudine triphosphate. Stavudine triphosphate competes with the reverse transcriptase thymidine triphosphate which is found in the natural substrate of HIV. This phenomenon halts the HIV DNA replication thus preventing its’ exponential growth. Developing countries are the major consumers of this drug because it is cheap rates and easily available.

How to take Stavudine

The medicine should be administered religiously as per prescription for the specified time period only. Alteration in dose must be done by the doctor as in when required during the treatment and strictly not by the patient party or anybody else.

If one misses a dose then it should be taken immediately when remembered .It is advised not to take two doses at once. The doctor should be promptly informed if there is any case of overdose.

Patient’s weight is the determining factor for dosage. An average adult of more than 60Kgs needs 40mg/12 hours and those of below 60Kgs need 30mg/12 hours. For children below 30Kgs 1mg/kg per 12 hours is generally given. In case of weight changes the doctor should be notified immediately for any dose alterations.

Precautions

• The doctor should know ones’ allergies to any specific drug beforehand. In case one is taking some other drugs then also the doctor should have knowledge of the same so that any negative reactions amongst the medicines can be avoided.
• The doctor should have a clue of any ongoing illness serious or otherwise, especially renal/hepatic impairment, pancreatic disorder, issues in the immune system, diabetes before the onset of the doses.
• Pregnant, would-be pregnant, breast feeding women should consult a doctor for Stavudine administration.
• The HIV Affected patients must be aware of dos and don’ts like not sharing personal belongings involving blood of any kind like razors, tooth brush, injection needles to name a few. Also they should not engage themselves in unprotected sex. It is advisable that women with HIV Positive should not also breast feed any infants.
• The side-effects should be in the patients’ knowledge before taking the dosages of the medicine.
• The medicine should be stored at room temperature in a cool and dry place away from moisture or direct heat.

We only ship medications which are approved by FDA, Also please consult your doctor to make a full decision on what medication to take.