Infovir

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

Infovir Introduction

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

Uses For

Infovir 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. Infovir is also used in patients who have developed resistance to previous treatment with lamivudine (Epivir) and/or other antiviral agents.

Mechanism Of Action

Infovir exerts its anti-viral activity by inhibiting the viral DNA-dependent DNA polymerase, and thus preventing further replication of the virus. Infovir 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

Infovir 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

Infovir 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

Infovir 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 Infovir in the blood that are high enough to have an antiviral effect, but low enough to avoid toxicity.

Administration

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

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Infovir 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

Infovir, like other antiviral drugs, has the potential for toxicity. Toxic reaction to Infovir 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 Infovir can lead to irreversible liver damage.

Precaution

In order to minimize the potential risk of toxicity with Infovir, 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 Infovir may interact with them.

Interaction

Infovir 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 Infovir may interact with them.

Disease Interaction

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

Drug Interaction

Infovir 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 Infovir may interact with them.

Food Interactions

No specific food interactions have been reported with Infovir. 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

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

Lactation Use

Infovir 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

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

Use Direction

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

Storage Condition

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

Volume Of Distribution

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

Half Life

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

Clearance

Infovir 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 Infovir

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Infovir

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Q1. What is Infovir?

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

Q2. How does Infovir work?

Infovir 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 Infovir?

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

Q4. What are the side effects of Infovir?

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

Q5. What is the recommended dosage of Infovir?

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

Q6. How long should I take Infovir?

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

Q7. How should I store Infovir?

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

Q8. Is Infovir safe?

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

Q9. Can I drink alcohol while taking Infovir?

It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Infovir.

Q10. Can I take other medications with Infovir?

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

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

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

Q12. Is Infovir addictive?

No, Infovir is not known to be addictive.

Q13. Can pregnant women take Infovir?

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

Q14. Can breastfeeding women take Infovir?

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

Q15. Can Infovir be taken with antacids?

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

Q16. What if I miss a dose of Infovir?

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 Infovir be taken with food?

Infovir can be taken with or without food.

Q18. Does Infovir 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 Infovir.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q22. How long should I continue taking Infovir?

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

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

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

Q24. Can I take Infovir with other antiviral medications?

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

Q25. Should Infovir be taken with food?

Infovir can be taken with or without food.

Q26. Are there any special instructions for taking Infovir?

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

Q27. Should I take Infovir with other medications?

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

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

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

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

If you forget to take your dose of Infovir, 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 Infovir 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 Infovir.