Lamivudine/Zidovudine Dosing

Lamivudine/zidovudine dosing guidelines recommend the same dose for everyone, regardless of factors such as weight or other medical conditions. The drug comes in tablet form and is typically taken twice a day. You should follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully, as missing your lamivudine/zidovudine dose can decrease the medication's effectiveness. It should also be taken in combination with other HIV medications.

 

Lamivudine/Zidovudine Dosing: An Introduction

There is only one standard dose of lamivudine/zidovudine (Combivir®), regardless of your weight or other factors. However, the drug is not recommended for certain people, since the dose of the individual components of lamivudine/zidovudine cannot be adjusted separately.
 
As always, do not adjust your lamivudine/zidovudine dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Lamivudine/Zidovudine Dosing for HIV or AIDS

The recommended dose of lamivudine/zidovudine when treating adults and children age 12 and older with HIV or AIDS is one lamivudine/zidovudine tablet (containing 150 mg of lamivudine and 300 mg of zidovudine), taken twice daily. Lamivudine/zidovudine should be used in combination with other HIV medications as part of an HIV "cocktail" (this is known as highly active antiretroviral therapy or HAART).
 
Lamivudine/zidovudine is generally not recommended for younger children or for people with liver or kidney disease, as the dose of the individual components of the drug cannot be properly adjusted, since lamivudine/zidovudine comes in only one strength. Instead, the two components should be taken separately.
 

General Information on Dosing With Lamivudine/Zidovudine

Considerations for people taking lamivudine/zidovudine include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth twice a day.
     
  • You can take lamivudine/zidovudine with or without food. If the medicine bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Try to take lamivudine/zidovudine at the same times each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It is very important that you closely follow your healthcare provider's instructions for taking lamivudine/zidovudine. Missing doses can increase the chance of the virus developing resistance to lamivudine/zidovudine, which may make it less effective.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to lamivudine/zidovudine dosing, talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking the drug without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;