Zalcitabine Dosing

Zalcitabine dosing guidelines vary depending on other medical conditions you have, medications you are taking, and whether you have bothersome zalcitabine side effects. For treating HIV or AIDS, the recommended zalcitabine dosage is 0.75 mg every eight hours (three times a day). Your healthcare provider may recommend a lower zalcitabine dosage if you have kidney disease or if you develop bothersome side effects.

 

Zalcitabine Dosing: An Introduction

The dose of zalcitabine (Hivid®) your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • If you develop dangerous or bothersome side effects of zalcitabine
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may currently be taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your zalcitabine dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Zalcitabine Dosing for HIV and AIDS

The recommended zalcitabine dose for treating HIV or AIDS is zalcitabine 0.75 mg every eight hours (three times a day). If you have kidney disease, your healthcare provider may recommend that you take zalcitabine just twice daily, instead of three times daily. Your healthcare provider may also recommend a lower zalcitabine dose if you experience bothersome or dangerous zalcitabine side effects.
 

General Zalcitabine Dosing Information

Considerations for people taking zalcitabine include the following:
 
  • Zalcitabine comes in the form of a tablet. It is usually taken by mouth every eight hours (three times a day).
     
  • Zalcitabine is best absorbed into your body if you take it on an empty stomach (at least one hour before or two hours after eating).
     
  • Try to take zalcitabine at the same times every day, to maintain an even level of the medication 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 zalcitabine. Missing doses can increase the chance of the virus developing a resistance to zalcitabine (making it less effective).
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to your zalcitabine dosage, please talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;