section name header

Pronunciation

a-DEF-oh-veer

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: antivirals

Pharmacologic Classification: nucleotides

Indications

REMS


Action

  • Converted to adefovir diphosphate which inhibits viral DNA polymerase (reverse transcriptase). Incorporation into viral DNA causes termination of the DNA chain.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Decreased progression/sequelae of chronic hepatitis B infection.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapidly converted from prodrug form (adefovir dipivoxil) to adefovir following oral administration; 59% bioavailable.

Distribution: 0.35–0.39 L/kg.

Metabolism/Excretion: Elimination is primarily renal as unchanged drug.

Half-Life: 7.5 hr.

Time/Action Profile

(blood levels)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
POunknown1–4 hrunknown



Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

Derm: pruritus, rash

F and E: LACTIC ACIDOSIS

GI: liver enzymes, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, HEPATOMEGALY WITH STEATOSIS, nausea, vomiting

GU: hematuria, nephrotoxicity

MS: weakness

Neuro: headache

Resp: cough, pharyngitis, sinusitis

Misc: HIV resistance, fever

Interactions

Drug-drug:

Route/Dosage

Renal Impairment

Availability

(Generic available)

Assessment

Lab Test Considerations:

Implementation

Patient/Family Teaching

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

US Brand Names

Hepsera

Code

NDC Code