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Abacavir

Antiretroviral

Antiretroviral
CDSCO approvedSchedule H
EXCRETION
not curated
INTERACTIONS
5 major
SEVERE in our sources
PREGNANCY
not curated
Top interactionssee all 5
  • LeflunomideSevereDatabaseDDInter
  • LomitapideSevereDatabaseDDInter
  • MipomersenSevereDatabaseDDInter
  • PexidartinibSevereDatabaseDDInter

Mechanism

Abacavir is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). It functions as part of a backbone regimen in combination antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection.

Indications

HIV infectionHIV infection in pregnancyHIV-1 infection in combination with other antiretroviral agentsHIV infection (in combination regimens)

Dosing

Adult
Lansoprazole 30 mg. Figure 7–12. Effect of CYP2C19 genotype on proton pump inhibitor (PPI) pharmacokinetics (AUC), gastric pH, and ulcer cure rates.

Pharmacokinetics

Half-life
0.8–1.5
Bioavailability
83%
Protein binding
50%
Metabolism
>80% (dehydrogenation; glucuronidation)

Side effects

Common
feverabdominal painGI complaintsmild maculopapular rashmalaisefatiguecoughpharyngitisdyspneamusculoskeletal complaintsheadacheparesthesias
Serious
  • hypersensitivity syndrome (potentially fatal)
  • hypersensitivity reactions (rashes, fever, abdominal pain, bowel upset, flu-like respiratory and constitutional symptoms) in 2–5% adults. Fatalities have occurred upon re-challenge, so it must be promptly stopped if a reaction occurs and never re-administered.
  • lypodystrophy (least likely)

Drug interactions

Leflunomide
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Lomitapide
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Mipomersen
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Pexidartinib
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Teriflunomide
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

7 additional low-confidence interactions hidden — those rows lack a documented mechanism or management plan in our sources.

Related guidelines

Other Antiretroviral drugs

Ask House about Abacavir

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Sources: KD Tripathi 7e, Goodman & Gilman 14e·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team