1 May 2026Oral drugsSource update: November 2022
Lamivudine = 3TC oral
Lamivudine guidance for HIV treatment with weight-based tablet and oral-solution dosing across infants, children, and adults.
Prescription under medical supervision
This guide page is for structured reference only and does not replace a clinician, pharmacist, or emergency review. Dose choice, route choice, interactions, and safety decisions still need professional judgment.
Therapeutic action
Antiretroviral, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor.
Indications
HIV infection, in combination with other antiretrovirals.
Forms and strengths
- 150 mg tablet.
- 50 mg/5 ml oral solution.
Dose
The daily dose is administered once daily or in 2 divided doses.
Child 1 month and over and adult
- 3 to < 6 kg: 60 mg daily, 3 ml 2 times daily.
- 6 to < 10 kg: 80 mg daily, 4 ml 2 times daily.
- 10 to < 14 kg: 120 mg daily, 6 ml 2 times daily.
- 14 to < 20 kg: 150 mg daily, 1/2 tablet 2 times daily or 1 tablet once daily.
- 20 to < 25 kg: 225 mg daily, 1/2 tablet in the morning and 1 tablet in the evening or 1 1/2 tablets once daily.
- >= 25 kg: 300 mg daily, 1 tablet 2 times daily or 2 tablets once daily.
| Weight | Daily dose | 50 mg/5 ml oral solution | 150 mg tablet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 to < 6 kg | 60 mg | 3 ml x 2 | - |
| 6 to < 10 kg | 80 mg | 4 ml x 2 | - |
| 10 to < 14 kg | 120 mg | 6 ml x 2 | - |
| 14 to < 20 kg | 150 mg | - | 1/2 tab x 2 or 1 tab x 1 |
| 20 to < 25 kg | 225 mg | - | 1/2 tab morning and 1 tab evening or 1 1/2 tab x 1 |
| >= 25 kg | 300 mg | - | 1 tab x 2 or 2 tab x 1 |
Duration
Depending on the efficacy and tolerance of lamivudine.
Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions
- Administer with caution to patients with a history of hepatic disorders.
- May cause gastrointestinal disturbances and possibly haematological disorders, myopathy, hepatic disorders, or pancreatic disorders.
- Reduce dosage in patients with renal impairment.
- Pregnancy: no contra-indication.
Source
MSF Essential drugs practical guidelines (January 2026)
This page reproduces the structured reference information for this batch while leaving out the Storage and Remarks sections.
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