Zerit Dosage

The recommended starting Zerit dosage for treating adults (who are at least 18 years old and weigh 132 pounds or more) is 40 mg twice a day. The dosage for adults who weigh less than 132 pounds is 30 mg twice daily. The Zerit dosage for children is based on age and weight. Other factors that may affect the Zerit dosage include other medical conditions you have and other medications you are taking.

 

Zerit Dosage: An Introduction

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

Zerit Dosing for Adults

The recommended Zerit dose for treating adults (18 years old and older) with HIV or AIDS is based on weight. For people weighing 132 pounds or more, the recommended starting dose is Zerit 40 mg twice daily. For people who weigh less, the recommended dose is Zerit 30 mg twice daily.
 
Your healthcare provider may recommend a lower Zerit dose if you have kidney disease, if you are taking certain other medications, or if you develop bothersome Zerit side effects.
 

Zerit Dosing for Children

Your child's healthcare provider will calculate the Zerit dose based on your child's age and weight.
 

General Zerit Dosage Information

Some considerations for people taking Zerit include the following:
 
  • Zerit comes in the form of capsules and an oral solution (liquid). It is usually taken by mouth twice a day.
     
  • It does not matter if you take Zerit with food or on an empty stomach. If Zerit bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Try to take Zerit 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 Zerit. Missing doses can increase the chance of the virus developing a resistance to Zerit (making it less effective).
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to your Zerit 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;