Zerit (Stavudine)

What is Zerit?

Zerit is an antiviral drug.  It is a member of class of drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor or NRTI.

What is Zerit used for?

Zerit is used in combination with other drugs and is a prescription medication given to patients suffering from HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection, which in an acute stage that leads to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).

How does Zerit work?

Zerit benefits the patients by interfering with the multiplication process of the infection, by means of which it spreads within the body and affects the healthier parts of the body. Zerit does not completely evade the infection. It only restricts the spread of virus.

How to use Zerit

Adhere to the directions of your physician when it comes to the doses and the manner in which it is to be taken, as doses are given to the patients after considering a number of medical factors. It is, therefore, not sensible to change the frequency and intensity of the drug on your own.

Usually, it is taken after an interval of 12 hours. It is for oral use and can be taken with or without food.

It is known that Zerit gives out the best results if the amount of the medicine in the body is kept constant for the instructed time span. Do not miss a dose and make sure you take it at the same time each day.

Zerit warnings and precautions

The first thing that you need to do when your doctor prescribes Zerit is to notify your doctor about your medical history, including the allergies; especially if you are allergic to any of Zerit’s ingredients.

Also, discuss any surgical procedure and let your physician know if you have a medical history of liver, kidney, heart, gall bladder, and pancreas related troubles.

It is recommended not to take alcohol while you are on Zerit, as it can result in serious side effects.

Both the doctors and patients need to be more cautious in case of older people, children, pregnant females and the ones who are breast feeding their children. In these cases, the drug should be taken only if it is clearly required.

What do I do if I have missed a Zerit dose?

If you have missed your Zerit dose, you should take one as soon as you recall. It is advised not to take two doses at a time for covering up the missed dose, so skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Zerit overdose?

If you have taken a Zerit overdose, you should talk to your doctor at once.

Zerit interactions

Zerit should be taken only after a prior medical counseling. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you are already using Dapsone, Ethambutol, Metronidazole, Nitrofurantoin, Vincristine, Zalcitabine, Chloramphenicol, and Cisplatin.

Prior to taking Zerit, inform your doctor about all prescribed, non-prescribed and herbal medicines that you are on or have been taking lately.

Zerit side effects

Initially when you start taking Zerit, you will experience some commonly known side effects like headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms indicate that the body is adjusting to the drug and they disappear in some time. But if you think that the symptoms have stayed for a longer than expected time, call your doctor for help.

Other rare but serious side effects of Zerit that have been reported include severe allergic reactions, problem in breathing, and intense dizziness. You require immediate medical attention in such cases.