Lamivudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor that shows activity against the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HIV. It is phosphorylated to its active metabolites and acts as a reverse transcriptase inhibitor and human immunodeficiency virus nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor. The mechanism of action of this active ingredient by stopping the replication of viruses in the body.

Class of Drugs – Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors

Molecular Formula – C₈H₁₁N₃O₃S

Molecular Weight – 229.26 g/mol

Working: This nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor medicine Lamivudine does not cure infection with HIV or HBV. It helps slow the progression of these diseases by restricting the ability of the viruses to replicate. HIV and HBV need an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to replicate and spread in the body. This drug blocks this enzyme that prevents HIV and HBV from replicating as quickly, slowing down the spread of the viruses.

Uses: The medicine is used with other HIV drugs to control HIV infection. It decreases the amount of HIV in the body so the immune system can work better. This lowers a chance of getting HIV complications like new infections, cancer and improves the quality of life. Lamivudine belongs to a class of drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

Popular Brands and Dosages: Given active ingredient is used in popular brand medicines as mentioned below:

• Epivir: 100 mg, 150 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, and 100 mg
• Lamictal: 100 mg, 150 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, and 100 mg
• Lamictal ODT: 100 mg, 150 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, and 100 mg

Changing or stopping the prescribed dose without approval from the doctor may cause the amount of virus to increase, the infection may become more difficult to treat or worsen side effects. Avoid sharing personal items while having HIV infection.