Zalcitabine

Also known as: ddC

Drug #1103

Zalcitabine is a synthetic pyrimidine nucleoside possessing antiretroviral properties. In June 1992, it became the third agent to be approved by the FDA for the treatment of HIV infection. It prevents the replication of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) involved in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, because monotherapy with zalcitabine has been shown to be inferior to monotherapy with zidovudine (AZT), zalcitabine was approved for use only in combination with zidovudine. In addition, zalcitabine was given a priority review by the FDA; approval was based on improvements in CD4 counts and not demonstration of clinical efficacy. In February 1996, zalcitabine was granted full FDA approval based on data from two randomized, double-blind clinical studies.

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Primary Characteristics

Zalcitabine is also known as ddC.

It belongs to Cytidine.

It is classified in Antiretroviral Agent-Nucleoside pharmacological group. It is also classified under Antiviral Agents .

Molecular Weight: 211.2 · Solubility in Water: soluble · Solubility in Alcohol: soluble · Non-proprietary name: Zalcitabine.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Zalcitabine has an oral bioavailability is 88% (±17%).

Distribution: Zalcitabine has a volume of distribution is 0.534 +/- 0.127 l/kg. plasma protein binding is < 4 %.

Elimination: it is metabolised via Intracellularly, plasma half-life is 2.9 hr, renal excretion is > 70 %.

Indications

Zalcitabine is primarily indicated in conditions like Epidural block, surgery, HIV infection.

Contraindications

None recorded.

Dosage

Zalcitabine's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
0.75 mg	0.75 mg	Every 8h	PO
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
0 – 0	—	—		Not recommended in this age group
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
0 – 0	—	—		Not recommended in this age group

Drug Interactions

Unknown9 interactions

3 interactions

Major1 interaction

Moderate1 interaction

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Zalcitabine in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Hepatic failure , Hyperbilirubinemia, Jaundice , Syncope , Hepatitis , Hypertension , Seizures , Tachycardia .

Zalcitabine is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Anorexia , Chest pain, Fever, Headache, Hypoglycemia, Hyponatremia, Malaise, Myalgia, Nausea, Peripheral neuropathy, Weakness, Weight loss.

Warnings / Precautions

Zalcitabine should be used with extreme caution during pregnancy. It is not recommended during pregnancy. It should be used with extreme caution in patients with history of pancreatic disease or tingling of the hands or feet (called peripheral neuropathy), history of heart trouble, kidney or liver disease. Food decreases the absorption of the drug. Follow doctor's instructions exactly regarding how to take it.

Available Brands

None recorded.

Storage Conditions

Zalcitabine should be stored Tab.

Drug Classification

1.6.5.2 — Antiretroviral drugs