Drug Dosing Tool: Zerit (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)

Zerit (stavudine, d4T)

Type of Drug: Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor

Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors were the first type of drug available to treat HIV. They are also known as NRTIs, nucleoside analogues, or "nukes."

When the HIV virus enters a healthy cell, it attempts to make copies of itself. It does this by using an enzyme called reverse transcriptase. NRTIs block that enzyme, so HIV cannot make new copies of itself.

Approved adult dosing

one 40 mg capsule, two times a day

Morning
Zerit 40 mg
Evening
Zerit 40 mg

Under 133 pounds:

one 30 mg capsule, two times a day

Morning
Zerit 30 mg
Evening
Zerit 30 mg

Notes on taking this medication

No food restrictions, can take with or without food
Persons with kidney problems may need to adjust the doses of Zerit
Do not take Zerit with AZT (Retrovir), Combivir, Trizivir, or Videx EC

Side effects

Pain or tingling in feet or hands (peripheral neuropathy)
Nausea; vomiting; abdominal pain; headache; rash
Pancreatitis
Changes in body fat distribution, especially fat loss; may be severe
Abnormalities in cholesterol levels
Rare but serious: increase of lactic acid in the blood

See accompanying chart: Tips for Common Side Effects

My doctor's instructions

Disclaimer:

This information is not meant to substitute for advice from your medical provider or pharmacist. If you have any questions about your medication dosing, talk to your medical provider or pharmacist.

Drug Dosing Toolkit