Abacavir
Abacavir is an antiretroviral medication used in combination with other drugs to treat HIV infection. It belongs to a class of drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and is available in multiple formulations for use in adults and children.
Abacavir is an HIV medication that works by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme, preventing the virus from replicating.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J05AF06
- RxNorm
- 190521
- Generic
- Abacavir
- Class
- atc-j05
- Brands
- Triumeq, Ziagen, Trizivir, Epzicom
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesterno adjustment needed
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh potential risks
regular prenatal care and fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesterno adjustment needed
continue therapy if HIV treatment required
routine prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesterno adjustment needed
maintain HIV suppression through delivery
regular monitoring until delivery
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingnot recommended
HIV-positive mothers should not breastfeed to avoid vertical transmission
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
infants 3 months and olderweight-based dosing
use pediatric formulation; requires HLA-B*5701 testing before initiation
monitor for hypersensitivity reactions
geriatric
over 65 yearsstart at lower end of dosing range
use with caution; monitor renal and hepatic function
regular monitoring of liver function and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno dose adjustment required
no specific dose adjustment needed for mild-moderate renal impairment
standard monitoring
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
limited data for severe renal impairment; consider monitoring
monitor drug levels if available
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
milddose reduction may be required
use reduced dose; monitor closely
frequent liver function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severecontraindicated
do not use in moderate-severe hepatic impairment
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for HIV treatment
Drug class
Antiretroviral drug class
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indication
Available formulations
Available dosage forms
Treatment of HIV-1 infection in combination with other antiretroviral agents. It is indicated for use in adult and pediatric patients.
Abacavir is a synthetic carbocyclic nucleoside analog that inhibits the activity of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase by competing with the natural substrate and incorporating into the growing viral DNA chain, which results in chain termination.
All patients should be screened for HLA-B*5701 before starting therapy due to risk of severe hypersensitivity reactions. Should not be used as monotherapy. Common side effects include nausea, headache, and fatigue. Liver function monitoring may be required.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy