Entecavir
Generic Details
Generic Name
Entecavir
Other Names
- Baraclude
Drug Class
- Antiviral
Chemical Formula
C12H15N5O3
Molecular Weight
277.29 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibits Hepatitis B virus DNA polymerase
Indications
- Chronic Hepatitis B infection
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
Typical Dosage
- 1 mg once daily on an empty stomach or 0.5 mg once daily for patients with renal impairment
Pediatric Dosage
- Dosage based on body weight and age, consult a pediatrician
Geriatric Dosage
- Lower initial dose may be necessary for elderly patients with renal impairment
Side Effects
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Insomnia
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to entecavir
Pregnancy Category
- C - Risk cannot be ruled out
Lactation Safety
- Unknown if excreted in breast milk, use caution
Drug Interactions
- Avoid concurrent use with drugs that reduce renal function
Overdose Symptoms
- Lactic acidosis
- Hepatic steatosis
Antidote for Overdose
- Supportive care and monitoring
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Rapidly absorbed after oral administration
- Distribution: Enters breast milk in animal studies
- Metabolism: Primarily metabolized in the liver
- Excretion: Excreted in urine
Precautions
- Monitor renal function regularly during treatment
Warnings
- Severe acute exacerbations of Hepatitis B may occur if discontinued