Children

Nevirapine (Viramune) is licensed in Europe and the United States for the treatment of HIV infection in infants and children. In 2008, the US FDA advised that babies and children receive nevirapine dosing according to body surface area rather than weight.1

Recommended oral dosing during the lead-in (or induction) stage is 150mg per m2 of body surface area once daily for 14 days. Following induction, the same dose is given every 12 hours. Younger children may require a higher dosage (e.g. 200mg per metre2 of body surface area twice daily), as clearance in children under the age of nine is faster than it is in older children or adults. The maximum daily limit should not exceed 400mg.

Nevirapine appears to be safe, effective and well tolerated in children from birth, although no large, randomised studies comparing a nevirapine-based regimen to other regimens have been reported.2 3 4 Side-effects are similar in children and adults.5

References

  1. Klein R et al. Important changes to Viramune (nevirapine) oral solution and tablets. FDA release, 27 June 2008
  2. Verweel G et al. Nevirapine use in HIV-1-infected children. AIDS 17: 1639-1647, 2003
  3. Luzuriaga K et al. Combination treatment with zidovudine, didanosine, and nevirapine in infants with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection. N Engl J Med 336: 1343-1349, 1997
  4. Janssens B et al. Effectiveness of highly active antiretroviral therapy in HIV-positive children: evaluation at 12 months in a routine program in Cambodia. Pediatrics 120(5): e1134-1140, 2007
  5. Baylor M et al. Hepatotoxicity associated with nevirapine use in HIV-infected children. 12th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, Boston, abstract 776, 2005
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 It may have been superseded by more recent developments.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.