Hivid Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: Zalcitabine

Zalcitabine is an antiviral medication. It is in a category of HIV medicines known as reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Zalcitabine inhibits the reproduction of HIV in the body. You can also used zalcitabine alone or with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It will slow the spread of HIV infection in the body. Zalcitabine is not a cure and may not decrease the number of HIV-related illnesses.

Hivid Dosage

• The usual dose is one 0.750 milligram tablet every 8 hours. Your doctor may adjust the dosage if you have kidney problems. You can use Hivid in combination with other HIV medications.
• Safety and effectiveness have not been established for children under 13.

Uses of Hivid

• Zalcitabine is used to treat the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Zalcitabine is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.
• Zalcitabine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Side Effects of Hivid

If you are taking this medication, then discuss the side effects with your doctor. If you feel any change in intensity, then you should tell your doctor. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Hivid. Side effects may include:

• Abdominal pain
• fatigue
• hives
• itching
• mouth sores and inflammation
• nausea and vomiting
• rash
• tingling
• burning
• numbness
• pain in the hands and feet

Warnings and precautions before taking Hivid:

• You should tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to zalcitabine or any other drugs.
• You should also tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially including such as amphotericin, antibiotics, cisplatin (Platinol), dapsone, didanosine (Videx, DDI), disulfiram (Antabuse), doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Rubex), ethionamide (Trecator-SC), foscarnet (Foscavir), glutethimide (Doriden).
• If you have or have ever had kidney, liver, or pancreas disease, tingling of the hands or feet known as peripheral neuropathy, any heart problems, a history of alcohol abuse, anemia, or bleeding or other blood problems, then you should tell your doctor.
• If you drink alcohol, then you should tell your doctor.

Drug Interaction :-

If you are taking certain drugs with Hivid, then it may decreased, increased or altered the effects of Hivid medicine. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Hivid with the following:

• Aminoglycoside antibiotics such as Garamycin
  
• Cimetidine (Tagamet)
  
• Didanosine (Videx)
  
• Foscarnet (Foscavir)
  
• Lamivudine (Epivir)
  
• Metoclopramide
  
• Probenecid
  

Overdose

When you are taking Hivid, and you feel that overdose is suspected then contact your doctor immediately. Symptoms of an Hivid overdose may include:-

• Drowsiness
• vomiting
• numbness
• tingling
• burning
• pain in the arms and legs