Adefovir Dipivoxil: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Brands | MedexInfo

Adefovir Dipivoxil

Rx / Oral

Therapeutic ClassNucleotide Analog / Antiviral

Common Dose10 mg orally once daily

RouteOral

PregnancyCategory C – Use only if clearly needed

Indications ▼

Chronic hepatitis B infection in adults with evidence of active viral replication and liver inflammation

Used to suppress hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and prevent disease progression

Mechanism & Pharmacokinetics ▼

Mechanism: Nucleotide analog that inhibits HBV DNA polymerase, causing chain termination during viral DNA replication.

Pharmacokinetics: Rapid oral absorption; converted to active adefovir in the liver. Mainly excreted unchanged via kidneys. Half-life ~7.5 hours.

Dosage & Administration ▼

Patient Group	Dose / Strength	Frequency
Adults	10 mg orally	Once daily
Renal Impairment	Adjust dose based on creatinine clearance	As per guidelines
Children	Consult pediatric hepatologist	Individualized

Side Effects ▼

Headache, nausea, abdominal pain

Renal toxicity in long-term use (monitor renal function)

Lactic acidosis and hepatomegaly with steatosis (rare)

Contraindications ▼

Hypersensitivity to adefovir dipivoxil or excipients

Severe renal impairment without dose adjustment

Drug Interaction ▼

Concurrent nephrotoxic drugs may increase risk of renal toxicity

Caution with other antivirals requiring renal excretion

Pregnancy & Lactation ▼

Category C – use only if potential benefit outweighs risk

Excretion in breast milk unknown; avoid unless necessary

Clinical / Research Summary ▼

Reduces HBV DNA levels and improves liver histology in chronic hepatitis B

Long-term use decreases progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma

Resistance is uncommon; monitor viral load regularly

May be combined with other antivirals in lamivudine-resistant HBV cases

Patient Counseling Points ▼

Take orally with or without food at the same time daily

Do not discontinue therapy abruptly

Monitor kidney function regularly

Report symptoms like fatigue, jaundice, or unusual muscle pain

Storage & Handling ▼

Store at 20–25°C, protect from moisture

Keep container tightly closed

Keep out of reach of children

Brand Names (Bangladesh & Global) ▼

Bangladesh (Local Brands):

Hepsera Adefovir Adefovir Hepadox

Global / International Brands:

Hepsera Adefovir Adefovir

Medical Disclaimer: This clinical summary is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.

Reference Hubs:

• Drug Class: Antivirals • Conditions: Chronic Hepatitis B • Pathway: Viral DNA Replication Inhibition