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Lamivudine + Zidovudine

Antiretroviral

Also known as Combivir

Antiretroviral
CDSCO approvedSchedule H
EXCRETION
not curated
INTERACTIONS
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
not curated

Mechanism

Combivir is a fixed-dose combination of zidovudine and lamivudine, both nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). NRTIs are nucleoside analogues that, after intracellular phosphorylation, inhibit HIV reverse transcriptase, thereby blocking viral DNA synthesis and replication.

Indications

HIV infection in combination with other antiretroviral drugs

Dosing

Adult
1 tablet twice daily
Renal adjustment
Avoid if eGFR less than 50 mL/minute/1.73 m2

Contraindications

  • eGFR less than 50 mL/minute/1.73 m2

Side effects

Common
Alopeciaanaemiaangioedemaanxietyappetite abnormalarthralgiaastheniadiabetes mellitusdiarrhoeadizzinessdry mouthdyslipidaemiadyspnoeafevergastrointestinal discomfortgastrointestinal disordersheadachehepatic disordershypersensitivityhypertensionmalaisemuscle complaintsnauseaneutropeniaoral ulcerationpancreatitisperipheral neuropathyseizureskin reactionssleep disorderstaste alteredvomiting
Serious
  • Drowsiness
  • immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome
  • osteonecrosis
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • weight increased

Related guidelines

Other Antiretroviral drugs

Ask House about Lamivudine + Zidovudine

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Sources: BNF·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team