What is this medication for?
Zalcitabine belongs to the class of medications called antiretrovirals. It is used alone or together with other medications to treat the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the virus responsible for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Zalcitabine is one of a type of medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Reverse transcriptase is the part of HIV required to infect cells and make more viruses. Zalcitabine prevents reverse transcriptase from working properly. Zalcitabine does not cure AIDS and does not prevent it from being spread to others but does help to slow down the progression of the disease.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose of zalcitabine for adults and children 13 years of age and older is one 0.75 mg tablet taken by mouth every 8 hours. Some people (e.g. impaired kidney function) may be prescribed a lower dose of zalcitabine by the doctor. The use of this medication by children 12 years or younger, and the dose, must be assessed on an individual basis by their doctor.
Finish all this medication, even if you have started to feel better
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Zalcitabine should not be used by anyone who is allergic to zalcitabine or any ingredients of the medication.