Stavudine
Stavudine Information

About Stavudine

Stavudine is an antiviral agent. Stavudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Stavudine is used in patients with AIDS for whom ZIDOVUDINE is inappropriate. Stavudine is either used alone or in combination with other antiretroviral agents in the treatment of HIV infection.

Indications

Stavudine is primarily indicated in conditions like HIV infection.

Contraindication

Stavudine is contraindicated in conditions like Pancreatitis,Peripheral neuropathy,Hypersensitivity,Renal dysfunction.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Stavudine, which give rise to further complications include Dysesthesia.Stavudine produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Pancreatitis, Peripheral neuropathy. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Stavudine therapy.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Stavudine are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Flatulence, Dizziness, Headache, Drowsiness, Fatigue, Anorexia, Diarrhea, Fever, Myalgia, Anxiety, Dyspnea, Rashes, Urticaria, Depression, Cough, Arthralgia, Nausea and vomiting, GI disturbance, Abnormal dreams.

Warnings

It should be used with caution in patients with renal impairemnt. It should be used carefully in patients with a history of peripheral neuropathy and treatment suspended if neuropathy develops. If symptoms resolves on withdrawal stavudine may be resumed at half the previous dose. Patients with ahistory of pancreatitis should also be observed carefully for the signs of pancreatitis during treatment.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Pregnant Mothers, and patients suffering from Kidney dysfunction.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.