A comprehensive knowledge on Duovir N (Lamivudine/Zidovudine/Nevirapine)
Duovir N is manufactured by Cipla Pharmaceuticals Limited, India. It may be applied alone or with other drugs to control your HIV infection, thus improving your quality of life. It also reduces your risk of getting HIV disease complications (e.g., new infections, cancer). This medicine is a blend of Lamivudine, zidovudine and Nevirapine. These drugs work by ending the growth of the DNA chain and holding back the reverse transcriptase enzyme of HIV. Nevirapine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. It works by straight inhibiting reverse transcriptase.
These medicines belong to a class of drugs recognized as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Lamivudine/zidovudine/Nevirapine is not a cure for HIV infection and it does not check the spread of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination (e.g., sharing dirty needles).
Each tablet of Duovir-N (Lamivudine/Zidovudine/Nevirapine) has half of the usually prescribed daily doses of zidovudine, lamivudine and nevirapine. All three drugs are to be taken twice every day. It permits a fixed-dose combination to be formulated. Due to availability of this combination formulation, patients may be better able to stand by triple drug regimens, in this manner enhancing conformity.
Composition
Each film-coated tablet contains:
Lamivudine ........................ 150 mg
Zidovudine USP................. 300 mg
Nevirapine ......................... 200 mg
Color: Titanium Dioxide
Duovir-N Dosage
Patients such as adults and adolescent individuals (older than 12), the approved dose is one tablet of Duovir-N. As a tablet of this antiretroviral medication contains 300 mg of Zidovudine and 150 mg of Lamivudine, the use of 2 doses of this product on a daily basis should be a sufficient amount. Aged persons can take prescribed a lower dose of Duovir-N (Lamivudine/Zidovudine/Nevirapine)daily or will have to take an alternative therapy option.
Drug Reaction
Concurrent use of ganciclovir, interferon-alpha, and other bone marrow suppressive or cytotoxic agents may give rise to the hematologic toxicity of zidovudine.
The introduction of CYP3A by nevirapine may result in lower plasma concentrations of other concurrently administered drugs.
It is not revealed whether dose adjustment is essential while nevirapine and rifampin or rifabutin are used all together. Therefore, these drugs should only be used along with if clearly indicated and with careful monitoring.
Ketoconazole: patient taking Nevirapine should not take ketoconazole in unison. If nevirapine and ketoconazole are used concurrently it may cause a significant drop in ketoconazole plasma concentrations.
It is not discovered what effects nevirapine can have on the pharmacokinetics of oral contraceptives. Nevirapine may decrease plasma concentrations of oral contraceptives (also other hormonal contraceptives); thus, these drugs should not be taken parallel with nevirapine. Founded on the known metabolism of methadone, nevirapine may decline plasma concentrations of methadone by raising its hepatic metabolism. Some patients getting treatment of nevirapine and methadone concomitantly have experienced narcotic withdrawal syndrome. Methadone-maintained patients beginning nevirapine therapy should be monitored for evidence of withdrawal and methadone dose should be adjusted accordingly.
Duovir-N Overdose
Seek immediate medical help without delay if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of Duovir-Noverdose include: vomiting, stomach upset, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
Duovir-N Storage
Keep this drug in the container it is offered, firmly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from surplus heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outmoded or no longer needed.