Sustiva Dosage

The usual Sustiva dosage for most adults is 600 mg once daily. Some people (such as those taking medications that can interact with Sustiva) may need to start with a lower dose: either three 100-mg capsules or one 100-mg capsule plus one 200-mg capsule. Sustiva dosing for children is determined by weight, ranging from 200 mg to 600 mg once daily.

 

Sustiva Dosage: An Introduction

The dose of Sustiva® (efavirenz) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Your weight (for children)
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Sustiva Dosage for Adults and Larger Children

The recommended dose of Sustiva for treating HIV or AIDS in adults and children weighing 88 pounds or more is 600 mg once daily, preferably at bedtime. Sustiva 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).
 
If you are taking certain other medications (see Sustiva Drug Interactions), your healthcare provider may recommend a lower Sustiva dose (300 mg once daily). This dose should be taken as three 100-mg capsules or one 100-mg capsule plus one 200-mg capsule. The manufacturer does not recommend that Sustiva 600 mg tablets be broken or split in half to achieve this dose.
 

Sustiva Dosage for Children

The recommended dose of Sustiva for treating HIV or AIDS in children three years of age and older is based on weight, as follows:
 
  • 22 to 32.9 pounds -- 200 mg once daily
  • 33 to 43 .9 pounds -- 250 mg once daily
  • 44 to 54.9 pounds -- 300 mg once daily
  • 55 to 71.4 pounds -- 350 mg once daily
  • 71.5 to 87.9 pounds -- 400 mg once daily
  • 88 pounds and over -- 600 mg once daily (the usual adult dose).
     
(Sustiva Dosage Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;