Disclaimer to the Online Edition
This Manual has been designed for use in the NICU at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), London, Ontario, Canada, and represents clinical practice at this institution. The information contained within the Manual may not be applicable to other centres. If users of this Manual are not familiar with a drug, it is recommended that the official monograph be consulted before it is prescribed and administered. Any user of this information is advised that the contributors, Editor and LHSC are not responsible for any errors or omissions, and / or any consequences arising from the use of the information in this Manual.
lamivudine (3TC®)
Indication
- In combination with other antiretrovirals, to reduce the risk of HIV vertical transmission from mother to baby
Dosage Guidelines
Gestational age greater than or equal to 32 weeks:
- Birth to 4 weeks of age: 2 mg/kg/dose ORAL q12 hours
- Greater than 4 weeks of age: increase to 4 mg/kg/dose ORAL q12 hours
Gestational age 25 weeks to less than 32 weeks: (based on expert opinion)1
- Birth to 3 weeks of age: 1.5 mg/kg/dose ORAL q12 hours
- 3 to 6 weeks of age: increase to 2 mg/kg/dose ORAL q12 hours
Administration
- ORAL
- May administer with feeds
Adverse Effects
- Nausea, feeding intolerance, diarrhea
- Anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia
- Increase AST, ALT, bilirubin
- Pancreatitis
Comments
- Reduce dosage in patients with renal dysfunction
Supplied As
10 mg/mL oral solution
References
Lexi Sick Kids, Lexi Pediatric and Neonatal, Neofax, Expert Opinion, 2020, Sainte-Justine Hospital, Montreal1