Children

d4T (stavudine, Zerit) is licensed for use in children. Dosing is as follows:

  • Neonatal/infant dose (up to 13 days of age) is 0.5mg and 40 mg/kg every 12 hours.
  • Age 14 days to a weight of 30 kilograms, dosing is 1mg/kg twice daily.
  • Adolescents weighing 30 kilograms or more are dosed at the adult dose; that is, up to 60 kilos, use 30mg twice daily and for those 60 kilograms or more, 40mg twice daily.1

Please note that WHO does not recommend using d4T at a dose higher than 30mg. Please check their website for the most current information.

Studies have shown than the incidence of side-effects in children taking d4T is similar to that in adults.

Two studies have demonstrated that d4T-containing combinations are effective in very young infants:

  • With ddI (didanosine, Videx/VidexEC) and nelfinavir (Viracept), although this has a high rate of virological failure.2
  • With 3TC (lamivudine, Epivir), nevirapine (Viramune), and nelfinavir: this combination can bring about viral suppression for up to four years in the majority of infants.3

References

  1. Kaul S et al. Determination of dosing guidelines for stavudine (2',3'-didehydro-3'-deoxythymidine) in children with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 45: 758-763, 2001
  2. Paediatric European Network for Treatment of AIDS. Highly active antiretroviral therapy started in infants under 3 months of age: 72-week follow-up for CD4 cell count, viral load and drug resistance outcome. AIDS 18: 237-245, 2004
  3. Luzuriaga K et al. A trial of three antiretroviral regimens in HIV-1-infected children. N Engl J Med 350: 2471-2480, 2004
Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.