lamivudine

Lamivudine is a small molecule antiviral medication classified as a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). It is used in combination with other antiretroviral agents to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in adults and children, and as monotherapy for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. As an analogue of cytidine, lamivudine is phosphorylated intracellularly to its active triphosphate form. This metabolite inhibits viral reverse transcriptase by competing with the natural substrate and acting as a chain terminator during viral DNA synthesis. The drug thereby blocks replication of both HIV and HBV by preventing elongation of the viral DNA chain[1][4][5]. Lamivudine does not cure HIV or HBV but reduces their levels in blood, helping prevent disease progression. It is available as oral tablets or solution and can be taken with or without food[1][7]. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, headache, fatigue; serious risks include lactic acidosis and severe liver problems[2][7].

Brand names

EpivirEpivir-HBVZeffix

Other names

(-)-1-((2R,5S)-2-(Hydroxymethyl)-1,3-oxathiolan-5-yl)cytosine(-)-2'-Deoxy-3'-thiacytidine2',3'-Dideoxy-3'-thiacytidine3'-Thia-2',3'-dideoxycytidinebeta-L-2',3'-Dideoxy-3'-thiacytidinebeta-L-3'-Thia–2',3'–dideoxycytidineLamivudinLamivudinaLamivudinum