AIDS / HIV

  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. AIDS / HIV

Zerit (stavudine)

By Mark Cichocki, R.N., About.com

Updated: November 29, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Zerit Capsule

Photo © Gold Standard

Classification:

Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NRTI)

Forms:

Capsules in various doses
  • 15mg (yellow/dark red)
  • 20mg (light brown)
  • 30mg (light and dark orange)
  • 40mg (dark orange)
  • 1mg/cc oral solution (powder that is reconstituted)

Zerit XR is the sustained release form of Zerit.

Dosage:

80mg per day given as two 40mg capsules once per day or one 40mg capsule twice per day.

Dosage may be decreased for persons with a body weight under 60kg.

Zerit XR is prescribed at 100mg daily in persons weighing more than 60kg and at 75mg daily in people weighing less than 60mg.

Instructions:

  • May take with or without food.
  • Take with 8 ounces of water.

Side Effects to Report to Your Doctor:

  • Numbness, tingling, or burning in your feet, hands, or fingers.
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea / vomiting

Special Warning:

Zerit and other drugs in the class have been linked to a very serious side effect called Lactic Acidosis. If you develop flu like symptoms, weakness, muscle aches or a general feeling of illness, notify your doctor immediately.

For More Information:

If you need more information on Zerit try About.com's Drug Finder

More HIV medication fact sheets

Explore AIDS / HIV

About.com Special Features

Do I Have Allergies?

Are your symptoms merely irritating, or could they be a sign of allergies? More >

Preventing Headaches

The best way to treat a headache is to prevent it. Learn how. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.

AIDS / HIV

  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. AIDS / HIV
  4. Medication Information
  5. Medication Fact Sheets
  6. Meds U - Z
  7. Zerit (stavudine)

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.