How is Dolutegravir dosed?
The dosage of Dolutegravir varies based on age, body weight, and the medical problem being treated. For the treatment of HIV infection, adults usually take 50 mg of Dolutegravir twice a day. If switching to Dolutegravir and rilpivirine treatment, the dose is 50 mg of Dolutegravir and 25 mg of rilpivirine once a day. Children 4 weeks of age and older have dosages determined by their body weight and must be prescribed by a doctor. When unable to swallow the tablet for suspension whole, it may be mixed with water and consumed or administered with an oral syringe to infants. Always follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label and never change the dose without consulting your doctor.
What is the dosage form of Dolutegravir?
Dolutegravir is available in tablet and tablet for suspension forms.
What medications are contraindication with Dolutegravir?
Dolutegravir should not be taken with the following medications: Dofetilide, Abametapir, Aluminum, Amprenavir, Cabotegravir, Calcium, Carbamazepine, Dabrafenib, Dalfampridine, Dasabuvir, Efavirenz, Eslicarbazepine Acetate, Etravirine, Fedratinib, Fexinidazole, Fosamprenavir, Fosphenytoin, Iron, Itraconazole, Magaldrate, Magnesium, Mavacamten, Metformin, Nevirapine, Omaveloxolone, Oxcarbazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Primidone, Rifampin, St John's Wort, Sucralfate, Tipranavir, and Zinc.
How is Dolutegravir administered?
Dolutegravir can be administered as a tablet or a suspension. Tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed, broken, or chewed. For the suspension form, it should be mixed with 5 mL or 10 mL of water in the provided medicine cup, gently swirled for 1-2 minutes, and consumed at least 30 minutes after mixing. If needed, an additional 5 mL of water can be added to the cup and consumed to ensure the full dose is taken. For children, the medicine cup should be used to prepare and administer the oral liquid. Infants should be given the oral liquid using an oral syringe. Dolutegravir can be taken with or without food, but it should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking antacids or laxatives containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium, sucralfate, calcium or iron supplements, or buffered medicines.
What are common precautions when taking Dolutegravir?
When taking Dolutegravir orally, it is important to:
- Read and follow the instructions on the patient information insert carefully.
- Consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your treatment.
- Take Dolutegravir for the full duration of the prescribed treatment, even if you start to feel better.
- Take the medicine exactly as prescribed and do not switch medicines unless advised by your doctor.
- Swallow the tablet or tablet for suspension whole, without crushing, breaking, or chewing it.
- If needed, take one dose at a time to prevent choking and mix the tablet for suspension in water as directed.
- Inform your doctor of any allergies or unusual reactions to the medicine or other medications.
- Use caution in pediatric patients, as safety and efficacy have not been established for children under 4 weeks old or weighing less than 3 kg.
- Consider special precautions for elderly patients due to potential age-related kidney, liver, or heart problems.
- Consult your doctor before taking Dolutegravir if you are breastfeeding, and follow specific instructions for preparing and administering the oral liquid to infants.
Remember to also observe any specific dietary or medication timing restrictions and avoid taking certain other medications within a certain time frame of Dolutegravir, as advised by your doctor.