Lamivudine Dosage: An Introduction
The dose of
lamivudine (
Epivir®) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Whether you have HIV or hepatitis B
- Your age
- Whether you develop bothersome or dangerous side effects of lamivudine
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may currently be taking.
As always, do not adjust your lamivudine dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Lamivudine Dosing for Hepatitis B
The recommended lamivudine dose for treating hepatitis B in adults is lamivudine (Epivir-HBV) 100 mg once daily. For children 2 to 17 years old, lamivudine dosing is based on weight, about 1.36 mg per pound once daily (up to a maximum of 100 mg per day).
A lower lamivudine dosage may be recommended for people with kidney disease (such as kidney failure).
Lamivudine Dosing for HIV and AIDS
The recommended lamivudine dose for treating HIV or
AIDS in adults is 150 mg twice daily or 300 mg once daily. For children age 3 months to 16 years old, the recommended dose is based on weight, about 1.8 mg per pound twice daily (up to a maximum of 150 mg twice daily). A lower lamivudine dosage may be recommended for people with kidney problems.
For people with both hepatitis B and HIV or AIDS, the dose for HIV or AIDS (which is higher) should be used.
