Zalcitabine

Antiviral, Systemic · Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor

Indications

Advanced HIV infection (CD4 count under 300 cells/cubic mm) with zidovudine.

Dosage

Adults: 0.75 mg every 8 hr. Creatinine clearance between 10-40 mL/min: 0.75 mg every 12 hr. Under 10 mL/min: 0.75 mg every 24 hr. Give with zidovudine. See literature. Children: Under 13 yr, not recommended.

Adverse Effects

Fever, malaise, peripheral neuropathy, headache, dizziness, fatigue, seizures, rash, pruritus, nausea, dysphagia, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, oral ulcers.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Previous zalcitabine associated pancreatitis. Concomitant didanosine. Precautions: Pre-existing peripheral neuropathy. History or presence of risk factors for pancreatitis. Renal or hepatic impairment. Cardiomyopathy. Congestive heart failure. Monitor CBC and clinical chemistry; do baseline serum amylase and triglycerides in patients with history of pancreatitis, increased amylase, alcohol abuse and those on parenteral nutrition. Patients should be clearly supervised by a physician experienced in the management of AIDS.

Interactions

Amphotericin, foscarnet, aminoglycosides, drugs associated with peripheral neuropathy, didanosine, nucleoside analogues, doxorubicin, magnesium/aluminium containing antacids, metoclopramide.

Advice to Patient

Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Avoid taking antacids and other medications within 1 hour of taking this medication. Contact prescriber if there is muscle pain or weakness, numbness/pain/tingling in toes/fingers, weakness or swelling of extremities, palpitations, chest pain, fast heartbeat, weight gain, weight loss >5 lb per week, sore throat, fever, chills, fatigue, burning or pain with urination, unusual bruising or bleeding, dark coloured stools, blood in stool/urine/mouth, skin rash, irritation.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed from the GI tract. Metabolism: Intracellular. Bioavailability: >80%. Half-life elimination: 2 hrs. Renal failure: Prolonged. Time to peak, plasma: Fasting: 1 hr. Excretion: Urine (mainly).

Brands with this active ingredient

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.