Lamivudine
Lamivudine is an antiretroviral medication classified as a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). It works by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme that HIV and hepatitis B viruses need to replicate. It is primarily used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs for the treatment of HIV infection and as a standalone or combination therapy for chronic hepatitis B.
Lamivudine is an antiviral medication used to treat HIV infection and chronic hepatitis B by inhibiting viral replication.
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
- J05AF05
- RxNorm
- 68244
- Generic
- Lamivudine
- Class
- atc-j05
- Brands
- Triumeq, Combivir, Epivir, Cimduo, Symfi, Delstrigo, Dovato, Temixys, 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
- 150mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 4mg/kg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 150mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesterno specific adjustment
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesterno specific adjustment
widely used to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission
routine obstetric monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment
present in breast milk; avoid breastfeeding in HIV-positive mothers if formula feeding is available
infant monitoring if breastfeeding occurs
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
neonatesweight-based dosing required
approved for use in pediatric patients including neonates born to HIV-positive mothers
monitor liver function and hematologic parameters
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenweight-based dosing
approved for pediatric use with appropriate dose adjustment
regular monitoring of viral load and CD4 count
geriatric
elderlyconsider renal function
use with caution due to potential age-related renal decline
monitor renal function regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mildno adjustment needed for mild impairment
standard dosing may be used
periodic renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate severedose reduction required
reduce dose based on creatinine clearance; consult prescribing information
frequent renal function and drug level monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required for mild to moderate hepatic impairment
routine liver function monitoring
hepatic_impairment
severeinsufficient data
use with caution; limited clinical data available
close monitoring of liver function
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval for HIV-1 infection
Drug class
Antiretroviral drug class
Common uses
Therapeutic indications
Available formulations
Dosage forms available
Lamivudine is indicated for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in combination with other antiretroviral agents, and for chronic hepatitis B virus infection in adults and children.
As a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, lamivudine is metabolized intracellularly to its active form, which competes with natural substrates and gets incorporated into viral DNA. This terminates the DNA chain and prevents further viral replication.
Lamivudine should be used as part of a combination regimen for HIV to reduce the risk of resistance development. Regular monitoring of liver function and HIV/HBV viral load is recommended. Patients should be aware that discontinuation of lamivudine in hepatitis B patients may cause exacerbation of hepatitis.
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