Efavirenz is the generic name of the drug commercially known as Stocrin, an antiretroviral drug used in the treatment of AIDS in adults, adolescents and children over the age of three years, which prevents the multiplication of the HIV virus and reduces the weakness of the immune system.
Efavirenz, produced by MerckSharp & Dohme Pharmaceuticals, can be sold as tablets or oral solution, and should only be used under medical prescription and in combination with other antiretroviral medicines used to treat HIV-positive patients.
In addition, Efavirenz is one of the medicines that is the 3-in-1 remedy for AIDS.
Indications for Efavirenz
Efavirenz is indicated for the treatment of AIDS in adults, adolescents and children over 3 years of age and weighing 40 kg or more in the case of Efavirenz in tablets and weighing 13 kg or more in the case of of Efavirenz in oral solution.
Efavirenz does not cure AIDS or reduce the risk of HIV transmission, so the patient should maintain some precautions such as using condoms on all intimate contacts, not using or sharing used needles and personal items that may contain blood as to shave.
How to use Efavirenz
The mode of use of Efavirenz varies according to the form of presentation of the medicinal product:
600 mg tablets
Adults, adolescents and children over 3 years of age and weighing 40 kg or more: 1 tablet, orally, once daily in combination with other AIDS medicines
Oral solution
Adults and adolescents weighing 40 kg or more: 24 ml oral solution per day.
In case of children, follow the recommendations given in the table:
| Children 3 to <5 years | Daily dose | Children => 5 years | Daily dose |
| 10 to 14 kg of weight | 12 ml | 10 to 14 kg of weight | 9 ml |
| 15 to 19 kg of weight | 13 ml | 15 to 19 kg of weight | 10 ml |
| 20 to 24 kg of weight | 15 ml | 20 to 24 kg of weight | 12 ml |
| 25 to 32.4 kg of weight | 17 ml | 25 to 32.4 kg of weight | 15 ml |
| --------------------------- | ----------- | 32.5 to 40 kg of weight | 17 ml |
The dose of Efavirenz in oral solution should be measured with the dosing syringe provided in the medicine package.
Side Effects of Efavirenz
Side effects of Efavirenz include redness and itching of the skin, nausea, dizziness, headache, fatigue, dizziness, sleeplessness, drowsiness, abnormal dreams, difficulty concentrating, blurred vision, stomach pain, depression, aggressive behavior, suicidal thoughts, balance problems and seizures.
Contraindications of Efavirenz
Efavirenz is contraindicated in children under 3 years of age and weighing less than 13 kg in patients who are hypersensitive to components of the formula and are taking other medicinal products containing Efavirenz in their composition.
However, you should consult and inform your doctor if you are pregnant or if you are trying to get pregnant, breastfeeding, liver problems, seizures, mental illness, alcohol or other substance abuse, and if you are taking other medicines, vitamins or supplements, including the herb of St. John.
