Stavudine
Stavudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) antiretroviral medication used in the treatment of HIV infection. It works by interfering with the viral enzyme reverse transcriptase, preventing the virus from replicating. While it has been used as part of combination antiretroviral therapy, it has largely been replaced by newer agents with more favorable safety profiles.
Stavudine is an HIV antiviral medication that inhibits viral replication by blocking reverse transcriptase, though it has been largely replaced by safer alternatives due to toxicity concerns.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J05AF04
- RxNorm
- 59763
- Generic
- Stavudine
- Class
- atc-j05
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, capsule, 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.
Stavudine is indicated for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in combination with other antiretroviral agents. It has been used in both treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients, though its use has declined significantly due to the availability of safer alternatives.
As a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, stavudine mimics the natural nucleosides needed for viral DNA synthesis. Once incorporated into the growing viral DNA chain, it causes premature chain termination, thereby inhibiting HIV replication.
Stavudine carries significant safety concerns including peripheral neuropathy, lipodystrophy, and lactic acidosis. Due to these toxicities, it is no longer recommended as a preferred first-line therapy and has been phased out in many countries in favor of safer antiretroviral options.
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 August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy