| Drug |
Use in Children |
Use in Newborns & Infants |
Pediatric Formulation |
Emtriva
(FTC) |
The correct dose of Emtriva will depend on the child's weight. The usual dose is 4 mg per kilogram of body weight, once a day. If the liquid solution is used, the dose should not exceed 240 mg per day. If the capsules are used, the dose should not exceed 200 mg per day. |
Emtriva is only approved for infants and children 3 months of age and older. It should not be used by infants younger than 3 months of age. For infants 3 months of age and older, the dose is 4 mg per kilogram of body weight, once a day. |
A liquid solution of Emtriva is available for babies and children, which is easier to give to young children than the adult capsules. |
| Epivir (3TC) |
The correct dose of Epivir will depend on the child's weight. The usual dose of the liquid formulation is 4 mg per kilogram of body weight, twice a day. A scored 150 mg tablet is also available. Dosing with the tablet depends on the weight of the child, and their ability to swallow pills. For children between 14 and 21 kilograms (31 and 47 pounds), a half tablet (75 mg) should be taken twice a day for a total daily dose of 150 mg. For children between 22 and 29 kilograms (48 and 65 pounds), a half tablet should be taken in the morning (75 mg) and a full tablet (150 mg) should be taken at night, for a total daily dose of 225 mg. Children 30 kilograms (66 pounds) and over should take a full tablet (150 mg) twice a day for a total daily dose of 300mg. |
Epivir can be used by newborns and infants younger than 30 days of age. The usual dose is 2 mg per kilogram of body weight, twice a day. |
A liquid solution of Epivir is available for babies and children. A lower dose tablet is available for children who can swallow pills. |
| Hivid (ddC) |
The correct dose of Hivid will depend on the child's weight. The usual dose is 0.01 mg per kilogram of body weight, every 8 hours. |
The correct dose of Hivid for newborns and infants has not yet been determined. |
A syrup formulation of Hivid is currently being studied in clinical trials. |
| Retrovir (AZT) |
The correct dose of Retrovir will depend on the size of the child. The usual dose is 160 mg per square meter of body surface area, every 8 hours. |
Retrovir can be used by newborns and infants younger than three months of age. The correct dose will depend on the weight of the baby. The usual dose is 2 mg per kilogram of body weight, every 6 hours. Newborns and infants may also receive the drug intravenously, particularly if they are hospitalized. A dose is also available for babies born prematurely. |
A syrup formulation of Retrovir is available for babies and children, which is easier to give to young children than the adult capsules. |
| Videx (ddI) |
The correct dose of Videx will depend on the size of the child. The usual dose is 120 mg per square meter of body surface area, every 12 hours. |
Videx can be used by newborns and infants younger than 3 months of age. The correct dose will depend on the size of the child. The usual dose is 50 mg per square meter of body surface area, every 12 hours. |
A powder formulation is available, which needs to be mixed with water and given to the child on an empty stomach, meaning no food or other medications taken at the same time as Videx. For older children, capsules and chewable tablets (which can also be dispersed in water) are available. |
| Viread (tenofovir DF) |
Not yet approved or studied in HIV-positive patients younger than 18 years of age. |
Not yet approved or studied in HIV-positive patients younger than 18 years of age. |
Not available. |
| Zerit (d4T) |
The correct dose of Zerit will depend on the child's weight. The usual dose is 1 mg per kilogram of body weight, twice a day. Once the child reaches a weight of 30 kilograms (66 pounds), 30 mg capsules, given twice a day, should be given. |
Zerit is currently being tested in a clinical trial (PACTG 332) for use in newborns and infants. |
A liquid solution of Zerit is available for babies and children, which is easier to give to young children than the adult capsules. |
| Ziagen (abacavir) |
The correct dose of Ziagen will depend on the child's weight. The usual dose is 8 mg per kilogram of body weight, twice a day. No more than 300 mg of Ziagen, twice daily, should be given. Thus, when the child weighs 38 kg (83.6 pounds) or more, the adult tablets can be used. |
Ziagen is not yet approved for newborns and infants younger than three months of age. A dose of 8 mg per kilogram of body weight is currently being studied. |
A liquid solution of Ziagen is available for babies and children, which is easier to give to young children than the adult tablets. |
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