Alcavir
Generic Name
Entecavir 0.5 mg tablet
Manufacturer
Acme Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| alcavir 05 mg tablet | ৳ 45.00 | ৳ 450.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Alcavir 0.5 mg tablet contains Entecavir, an antiviral medication used to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in adults and adolescents (16 years and older) with evidence of active viral replication and persistent elevations in serum aminotransferases or histologically active disease.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
For nucleoside-naïve adult patients: 0.5 mg once daily, taken on an empty stomach (at least 2 hours after a meal and 2 hours before the next meal). For lamivudine-refractory adult patients: 1 mg once daily, taken on an empty stomach.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment is required based solely on age, but renal function should be monitored due to the higher likelihood of decreased renal function in elderly patients.
Renal_impairment
Dose adjustment is required for patients with creatinine clearance less than 50 mL/min, including hemodialysis or CAPD patients. Consult package insert for specific dosing recommendations.
How to Take
Alcavir 0.5 mg tablet should be taken orally, once daily, on an empty stomach (at least 2 hours after a meal and 2 hours before the next meal). Do not crush or chew the tablet.
Mechanism of Action
Entecavir is a guanosine nucleoside analog that is phosphorylated to its active triphosphate form. Entecavir triphosphate inhibits all three functions of the HBV reverse transcriptase: (1) base priming, (2) reverse transcription of the negative strand from the pregenomic messenger RNA template, and (3) synthesis of the positive strand of HBV DNA.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Steady-state plasma concentrations are achieved within 6-10 days of once-daily administration. Significant viral suppression is observed within weeks to months.
Excretion
Primarily eliminated by the kidneys, with approximately 62-73% of the administered dose excreted unchanged in the urine. Renal clearance is independent of dose.
Half life
The intracellular half-life of entecavir triphosphate is approximately 15 hours. The terminal plasma elimination half-life is 128-149 hours.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations occurring between 0.5 to 1.5 hours. Oral bioavailability is approximately 100%. Food may decrease absorption.
Metabolism
Entecavir is not a substrate, inhibitor, or inducer of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes. It is not significantly metabolized by the liver.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- •Hypersensitivity to entecavir or any of the excipients.
Drug Interactions
Lamivudine, Adefovir, Tenofovir
No significant pharmacokinetic interaction observed when entecavir is administered with lamivudine, adefovir dipivoxil, or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. However, caution is advised when using entecavir with other nephrotoxic drugs.
Drugs that reduce renal function
Co-administration with drugs that reduce renal function or compete for active tubular secretion (e.g., adefovir dipivoxil, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, cyclosporine) may increase serum concentrations of either entecavir or the co-administered drug. Co-administration of entecavir with drugs that are renally eliminated and known to affect renal function may increase serum concentrations of both entecavir and the co-administered drug.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Limited experience with entecavir overdose. In cases of overdose, patients should be monitored for signs of toxicity and standard supportive therapy should be administered as required. Hemodialysis removes approximately 13% of the entecavir dose over a 4-hour period.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Entecavir should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is not known whether entecavir is excreted in human milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Generally 2 to 3 years from the date of manufacture, depending on storage conditions.
Availability
Available in pharmacies and hospitals
Approval Status
Approved
Patent Status
Generic available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesAlternative Medicines in Bangladesh
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine
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