Anti Hiv Drugs

• Generic Name: Zidovudine 300 mg

• Drug Class: Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NRTI)

• Manufacturer: Commonly by Cipla or other generic brands

Description:
Abec 300 mg contains Zidovudine, one of the earliest antiretroviral drugs introduced for the management of HIV-1 infection. It works by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme, a crucial step in the replication of the HIV virus, thereby reducing the viral load in the body.

Uses:

• Treatment of HIV-1 infection (in combination with other antiretrovirals)

• Prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission during labor or after birth

Dosage:
Typically 300 mg twice daily, used with at least one other antiretroviral drug.

Common Side Effects:

• Headache

• Nausea

• Muscle pain

• Bone marrow suppression (can cause anemia and neutropenia)

• Fatigue

Precautions:

• Periodic blood counts are required

• Used with caution in patients with low hemoglobin or white cell counts

• Not commonly preferred in modern HIV regimens due to side effects

Shelf Life:
Usually 24 to 36 months (2–3 years), depending on manufacturer

• Generic Name: Abacavir Sulfate (equivalent to 300 mg of Abacavir base)

• Drug Class: Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NRTI)

• Manufacturer: Cipla

Description:
Abamune contains Abacavir, a newer NRTI used in the combination treatment of HIV-1 infection. It inhibits the HIV reverse transcriptase enzyme, blocking viral replication. Abacavir is considered safer and more tolerable than Zidovudine and is frequently part of modern HIV treatment protocols.

Uses:

• First-line treatment of HIV-1 infection (used in triple therapy)

• Commonly used in fixed-dose combinations (e.g., Abamune-L with Lamivudine)

Dosage:
Usually 300 mg once or twice daily, based on weight and regimen

Common Side Effects:

• Headache

• Fever

• Rash

• Gastrointestinal upset

• Hypersensitivity reactions (can be severe)

Important Note:

• Before starting Abacavir, patients should be tested for HLA-B*5701 allele.

• Positive result = high risk of hypersensitivity → drug contraindicated.

Shelf Life:
Typically 36 months (3 years) from the date of manufacture