Abac
Generic Name
Abacavir 500 mg Capsule
Manufacturer
Various Generic Manufacturers
Country
Global
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| abac 500 mg capsule | ৳ 12.50 | ৳ 50.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Abacavir is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) used in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Adults: 500 mg once daily, or as directed by physician, usually in combination with other antiretroviral agents. Standard Abacavir dosage is 300 mg twice daily or 600 mg once daily.
Elderly
No specific dosage adjustment required, but use with caution due to potential age-related decline in renal, hepatic, or cardiac function.
Renal_impairment
No dosage adjustment required for mild to moderate renal impairment. Not recommended for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis.
How to Take
Administer orally, with or without food.
Mechanism of Action
Abacavir is a carbocyclic synthetic nucleoside analogue with in vitro anti-HIV-1 activity. It is converted intracellularly to the active metabolite, carbovir triphosphate, which inhibits HIV-1 reverse transcriptase by competing with deoxyguanosine triphosphate and by incorporation into viral DNA, resulting in chain termination.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Antiviral effects are typically observed within weeks to months of initiation, with sustained viral suppression with continued therapy.
Excretion
Excreted primarily in the urine (66% as metabolites) and feces (16% as metabolites).
Half life
Plasma half-life is approximately 1.5 hours; however, the intracellular half-life of its active metabolite, carbovir triphosphate, is significantly longer, supporting twice-daily dosing.
Absorption
Rapidly and extensively absorbed after oral administration. Bioavailability is approximately 83%.
Metabolism
Primarily metabolized in the liver by alcohol dehydrogenase and glucuronyl transferase. Less than 2% is excreted renally unchanged.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to abacavir (especially in patients positive for HLA-B*5701 allele)
- Moderate to severe hepatic impairment
Drug Interactions
Alcohol
Increased abacavir concentrations. Co-administration with alcohol increases abacavir AUC by approximately 41%.
Methadone
Decreased methadone concentrations. Patients should be monitored for signs of methadone withdrawal.
Storage
Store at room temperature (20-25°C), away from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
There is no known specific antidote for abacavir overdose. Management should consist of general supportive measures, including monitoring vital signs and observing the clinical status of the patient.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Use in pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. Not recommended for use during breastfeeding due to the potential for HIV transmission and serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to abacavir (especially in patients positive for HLA-B*5701 allele)
- Moderate to severe hepatic impairment
Drug Interactions
Alcohol
Increased abacavir concentrations. Co-administration with alcohol increases abacavir AUC by approximately 41%.
Methadone
Decreased methadone concentrations. Patients should be monitored for signs of methadone withdrawal.
Storage
Store at room temperature (20-25°C), away from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
There is no known specific antidote for abacavir overdose. Management should consist of general supportive measures, including monitoring vital signs and observing the clinical status of the patient.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Use in pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. Not recommended for use during breastfeeding due to the potential for HIV transmission and serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from manufacturing date
Availability
Prescription pharmacies, hospitals
Approval Status
Approved
Patent Status
Generic available, original patent expired
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have established the efficacy and safety of abacavir in various populations of HIV-1 infected individuals, both as monotherapy (historically) and more commonly in combination regimens. Ongoing trials continue to explore new combinations and optimal treatment strategies.
Lab Monitoring
- HLA-B*5701 allele screening prior to initiation
- Liver function tests
- Renal function tests
- HIV viral load
- CD4+ cell count
Doctor Notes
- Mandatory HLA-B*5701 screening before initiating abacavir to minimize the risk of hypersensitivity reaction.
- Educate patients thoroughly about the signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reaction and instruct them to stop abacavir immediately and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
- Always prescribe as part of a combination antiretroviral regimen.
Patient Guidelines
- Take exactly as prescribed, do not miss doses.
- Do not stop taking abacavir without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better.
- Be aware of symptoms of hypersensitivity reaction (rash, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, body aches, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath) and seek immediate medical attention if they occur.
- Carry a warning card stating you are taking abacavir.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Driving Precautions
Abacavir may cause dizziness or fatigue. Patients should be cautioned about operating machinery or driving until they are reasonably certain that abacavir does not adversely affect their ability to engage in such activities.
Lifestyle Advice
- Practice safe sex to prevent HIV transmission.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption due to potential for increased abacavir levels and associated side effects.
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.
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