Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects | MedexInfo

Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate

Rx

Generic NameTenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate

Therapeutic ClassNucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NtRTI)

Common Dose300 mg once daily

Max / 24h300 mg

PregnancyUse if benefit outweighs risk

Indications ▼

Treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in adults and adolescents

Management of HIV-1 infection as part of combination antiretroviral therapy

Prevention of HIV infection as part of PrEP regimen (with emtricitabine)

Reduction of HBV viral replication and liver inflammation

Mechanism & Pharmacokinetics ▼

Mechanism: Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is a prodrug converted to tenofovir, which is phosphorylated intracellularly to tenofovir diphosphate. This active metabolite inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase and HBV DNA polymerase by competing with natural nucleotides, causing DNA chain termination.

Pharmacokinetics: Well absorbed orally. Converted rapidly to tenofovir in plasma. Widely distributed. Eliminated primarily by kidneys through glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion.

Dosage & Administration ▼

Indication	Dose	Frequency
Chronic Hepatitis B	300 mg	Once daily
HIV Infection	300 mg	Once daily (with ART)
HIV PrEP	300 mg (with emtricitabine)	Once daily

Note: Dose adjustment required in renal impairment (CrCl < 50 mL/min).

Side Effects ▼

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Headache, dizziness

Fatigue

Decrease in bone mineral density

Renal toxicity including proximal tubular dysfunction

Rare: lactic acidosis, severe hepatomegaly with steatosis

Contraindications ▼

Hypersensitivity to Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate

Severe renal impairment without dose adjustment

Use as monotherapy in HIV infection

Drug Interaction ▼

Nephrotoxic drugs (aminoglycosides, NSAIDs): increased renal risk

Didanosine: increased didanosine levels and toxicity

Protease inhibitors: may increase tenofovir exposure

Pregnancy & Lactation ▼

Extensive clinical experience in pregnancy

Commonly used in HIV-positive pregnant women

Breastfeeding not recommended in HIV-infected mothers

Clinical / Research Summary ▼

Clinical Role: Long-established first-line antiviral for HBV and HIV.

Limitation: Long-term use associated with renal toxicity and bone loss.

Current Practice: Often replaced by Tenofovir Alafenamide in high-risk patients.

Monitoring: Renal function, serum phosphate, bone health.

Patient Counseling Points ▼

Take once daily at the same time

Maintain good hydration

Do not stop suddenly without medical advice

Regular kidney tests are important

Storage & Handling ▼

Store below 30°C

Protect from moisture

Keep container tightly closed

Brand Names (Bangladesh & Global) ▼

Bangladesh:

Proxivir® 300 mg Becovir® 300 mg Foviral® 300 mg T-Fovir® 300 mg Tafovir® 300 mg Tenbee® 300 mg Tenoviral® 300 mg Tenvira® 300 mg Vironil® 245 mg Xynovir® 300 mg

Global:

Viread

Medical Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Reference Hubs:

• Drug Class: Antiviral Agents • Condition: Hepatitis B • Condition: HIV Infection