Adovir

Adovir Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Adovir is a brand name. Its generic name is Adefovir Dipivoxil.

Adovir Introduction

Adovir (trade name: Hepsera) is an antiviral medication used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Adovir exerts its anti-viral activity by inhibiting the viral DNA-dependent DNA polymerase, and thus preventing further replication of the virus. Adovir was approved in the U.S. in 2002 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Uses For

Adovir is used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, including individuals with evidence of active viral replication and a history of frequent clinical or laboratory flare-ups. Adovir is also used in patients who have developed resistance to previous treatment with lamivudine (Epivir) and/or other antiviral agents.

Mechanism Of Action

Adovir exerts its anti-viral activity by inhibiting the viral DNA-dependent DNA polymerase, and thus preventing further replication of the virus. Adovir also has a secondary effect of increasing synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which interferes with viral replication and transcription.

How Long Does It Take To Work

The duration of treatment depends on how quickly the patient responds to the drug. Generally, it takes one to two weeks to achieve a clinical response and up to several months to eliminate the virus completely. Therefore, follow up visits with a doctor are important to monitor progress and ensure adherence to the prescribed treatment.

Absorption

Adovir is rapidly and extensively absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Its bioavailability is approximately 90% with peak plasma concentrations occurring within one to two hours.

Route Of Elimination

Adovir is primarily eliminated through the kidneys by glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. Approximately 11% of the applied dose is excreted unchanged from the kidneys into the urine.

Dosage

Adovir is available in 10mg tablets. The recommended dosage range for adults is 10 to 50mg a day, taken once a day. The recommended dosage range for children over 12 years of age is 10 to 40mg a day, taken as one or two divided doses. The dose should be adjusted as needed to achieve concentrations of Adovir in the blood that are high enough to have an antiviral effect, but low enough to avoid toxicity.

Administration

Adovir should be taken orally, with or without food, once a day. It is important to take Adovir regularly and consistently at the same time each day to ensure maximum therapeutic effect.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Adovir include nausea, headaches, dizziness, muscle pain, weakness, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. More serious side effects can include liver problems, kidney problems, and allergic reactions.

Toxicity

Adovir, like other antiviral drugs, has the potential for toxicity. Toxic reaction to Adovir is characterized by a decrease in kidney function, which in turn can lead to an increased concentration of the drug in the blood. Prolonged use of Adovir can lead to irreversible liver damage.

Precaution

In order to minimize the potential risk of toxicity with Adovir, it is important to monitor liver function and kidney function closely. It is also important to inform the doctor of any other medications or herbal products being used, as Adovir may interact with them.

Interaction

Adovir has been known to interact with other medications, including some antifungals, antibiotics, antivirals, and psychotropic medications. It is important to inform the doctor of any other medications or herbal products being used, as Adovir may interact with them.

Disease Interaction

Adovir should not be used in patients with renal impairment, severe hepatic impairment, or those who are immunocompromised.

Drug Interaction

Adovir has been known to interact with other medications, including some antifungals, antibiotics, antivirals, and psychotropic medications. It is important to inform the doctor of any other medications or herbal products being used, as Adovir may interact with them.

Food Interactions

No specific food interactions have been reported with Adovir. However, it is important to inform the doctor of any dietary supplements and foods being consumed, as certain substances can interact with this medication.

Pregnancy Use

Adovir should not be used in pregnant women, as animal studies have shown harm to the fetus.

Lactation Use

Adovir should not be used in breastfeeding women, as it is not known if it is safe for breastfeeding infants.

Acute Overdose

In cases of acute overdose, the patient should be monitored closely and medical treatment sought immediately.

Contraindication

Adovir should not be used in patients with renal impairment, severe hepatic impairment, or those who are immunocompromised.

Use Direction

Adovir should be taken orally, with or without food, once a day. It is important to take Adovir regularly and consistently at the same time each day to ensure maximum therapeutic effect.

Storage Condition

Adovir should be stored at room temperature in a light-resistant container.

Volume Of Distribution

Adovir has a volume of distribution of approximately 15-20 L.

Half Life

Adovir has a half-life of approximately 17-22 hours.

Clearance

Adovir is cleared from the body primarily through renal excretion, with a total body clearance of approximately 17-22 mL/min.

Here you find in details version of Adovir

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Adovir

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Q1. What is Adovir?

Adovir is an antiviral medicine used in adults to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

Q2. How does Adovir work?

Adovir works by stopping the spread of hepatitis B virus within the body, and preventing further damage to the liver.

Q3. What are the uses of Adovir?

Adovir is used for treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in adults.

Q4. What are the side effects of Adovir?

Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.

Q5. What is the recommended dosage of Adovir?

Adovir should be taken at 10 mg once daily for 48 weeks.

Q6. How long should I take Adovir?

The usual adult dose is 10 mg once a day for 48 weeks.

Q7. How should I store Adovir?

Store Adovir at room temperature between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C).

Q8. Is Adovir safe?

Yes, Adovir is usually well-tolerated when taken as directed by your doctor.

Q9. Can I drink alcohol while taking Adovir?

It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Adovir.

Q10. Can I take other medications with Adovir?

You should talk to your doctor before taking any other medications with Adovir.

Q11. What are the precautions to be taken while taking Adovir?

Patients should avoid contact sports or activities that cause injury. There is a risk of decreased kidney function when taking Adovir, so tell your doctor about any kidney issues.

Q12. Is Adovir addictive?

No, Adovir is not known to be addictive.

Q13. Can pregnant women take Adovir?

No, pregnant women should not take Adovir as it may cause harm to a developing baby.

Q14. Can breastfeeding women take Adovir?

It is not known if Adovir passes into breast milk and can harm a nursing baby, so talk to your doctor before taking Adovir while breastfeeding.

Q15. Can Adovir be taken with antacids?

No, Adovir should not be taken with antacids as they may interfere with the effectiveness of Adovir.

Q16. What if I miss a dose of Adovir?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.

Q17. Can Adovir be taken with food?

Adovir can be taken with or without food.

Q18. Does Adovir interact with any drugs?

It is important to tell your doctor about any other medications that you are taking, especially antibiotics, anti-seizure medications, oral contraceptives, or antacids as they may interact with Adovir.

Q19. Is there any laboratory monitoring required to take Adovir?

Yes, your doctor may recommend laboratory monitoring to monitor your kidney function while taking Adovir.

Q20. What should I do if I experience any side effects of Adovir?

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any side effects of Adovir.

Q21. How long does it take for Adovir to start working?

Adovir usually starts to work within 12 weeks of starting treatment.

Q22. How long should I continue taking Adovir?

You should take Adovir for the full duration of your prescribed treatment.

Q23. What should I do if I overdose on Adovir?

If you think you have taken too much Adovir, contact your local poison control center or seek immediate medical attention.

Q24. Can I take Adovir with other antiviral medications?

It is important to tell your doctor about any other antiviral medications your are taking as they may interact with Adovir.

Q25. Should Adovir be taken with food?

Adovir can be taken with or without food.

Q26. Are there any special instructions for taking Adovir?

Be sure to take Adovir exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not start or stop taking Adovir without consulting your doctor.

Q27. Should I take Adovir with other medications?

You should tell your doctor about any other medications that you are taking as they may interact with Adovir.

Q28. Do I need to take any other medication with Adovir?

Your doctor may advise you to take other drugs along with Adovir to prevent or lessen any side effects that may occur.

Q29. What should I do if I forget to take Adovir?

If you forget to take your dose of Adovir, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.

Q30. Does Adovir have any interactions with other medications?

It is important to talk to your doctor about any other medications you are taking, especially antibiotics, oral contraceptives, anti-seizure medications, or antacids, as they may interact with Adovir.