Zerit
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Zerit
It belongs to a class of drugs called reverse transcriptase inhibitors which also includes zalcitabine (Hivid), zidovudine (Retrovir), didanosine (Videx), and lamivudine (Epivir) etc. Zerit is an oral medication that is used for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
During infection with HIV, the HIV virus multiplies within the cells of our body and the newly-formed viruses then are released from the cells which spread throughout the body where the newly formed HIV viruses infect other cells. This way the infection of HIV continually spreads to new, uninfected cells that the body is continuously producing, and HIV infection is perpetuated.
During the multiplication of the HIV virus, they must manufacture new DNA for each virus and reverse transcriptase is the enzyme that the virus uses to form (manufacture) this new DNA. Zerit is converted within the body to its active form (stavudine triphosphate). This active form is similar to thymidine triphosphate, a chemical that is required by the HIV virus to make new DNA. The reverse transcriptase uses stavudine triphosphate instead of thymidine triphosphate for making DNA, and it is the stavudine triphosphate that interferes with the reverse transcriptase. Zerit does not kill existing HIV virus and it is not a cure for HIV, but it causes multiplication of the HIV to some extent and help our body against perpetuation of HIV infection.
Therapeutic Uses of Zerit
Zerit is used in treatment of HIV infection, although it can not cure HIV infection. Zerit is generally used along with other similar type of medicines in treatment of HIV infection.
Direction of use of Zerit
The recommended dose of Zerit for adults is 40 mg twice daily for those weighing 60 kg or more and 30 mg twice daily if body weight is less than 60 kg. The recommended dose of Zerit in children weighing less than 30 kg is 1 mg/kg and children weighing 30 kg or more should be treated like as adult dose. Zerit may be administered without regard to meals (can be taken before meal or after meal).
If You Miss a Dose of Zerit
If you miss a dose of Zerit, you should take it as soon as possible or as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for the next dose (if it is within 2 hours of your next dose) of Zerit, you should skip the missed dose and keep taking it as usual. Do not take more than recommended dose by your doctor.
How to Store Zerit
Zerit should be stored at room temperature, 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F). The dry powder for oral solution should be kept at room temperature and away form moisture, heat and light. Solutions should be refrigerated. Do not store it in bathroom. Keep it out of reach of children and away from pets.
More Information About Zerit
If you have any questions about Zerit, please consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Zerit should be used by the patient only for whom it is prescribed. Zerit should not be used for other medical conditions without consulting your doctor. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor. Do not share Zerit with others.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Zerit
- You should not exceed the recommended dose of Zerit without consulting your doctor because exceeding the prescribed dose of this medicine may not provide additional benefits, and it can increase the risks of side effects.
- Zerit can not a cure HIV and also it will not prevent you from spreading HIV through sexual or blood contact. If you have any question regarding the prevention of the spread of HIV, ask your doctor, nurse, pharmacist or other health care providers. This medicine will not prevent other infections also.
- If there is a change of your health, check with your doctor. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over the counter, you should always ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- It is advised to keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests like liver function test or renal function tests should be performed to monitor your progress and also to check for any side effect.
- If you plan to become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Zerit during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.
Possible Adverse Effects of Zerit
- The most severe side effects Zerit are a decrease in blood cells, muscle pain (myospasm), pancreatitis, liver failure and metabolic disturbances like lactic acidosis etc.
- Zerit damages nerves and can cause a severe peripheral neuropathy, a condition in which sensation in the legs and/or arms is altered or lost. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are tingling, numbness and pain in the feet or hands.
- Other side effects of Zerit are chills, rash, abdominal pain, weight loss and insomnia.