Ziagen - A Comprehensive Guide Including Uses, Dosage, Demographic, Side Effects, Interactions, & Generic Options Ziagen is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). The active ingredient in Ziagen is abacavir sulfate, which is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Ziagen works by blocking the activity of reverse transcriptase, which is an enzyme that HIV needs in order to multiply. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Ziagen- its uses, dosage, demographic, side effects, interactions, & generic options. Uses: Ziagen is primarily used to treat HIV infection. It is indicated for use in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients. Ziagen does not cure HIV infection and should not be used alone as monotherapy. The medication works by reducing the amount of virus in the patient's blood, slowing down the progression of HIV and reducing the risk of acquiring other infections. Dosage: The recommended dosage of Ziagen depends on the patient's age, weight, and kidney function. For adults and adolescents over 16 years of age, the recommended dose is 600 mg orally once daily or divided into two equal doses of 300 mg. For pediatric patients, the recommended dose is based on body weight and is administered twice daily. Ziagen can be taken with or without food. Demographic: Ziagen is indicated for use in both adult and pediatric patients. Adult patients should be over 16 years of age and should have been previously diagnosed with HIV-1 infection. Pediatric patients should be at least 3 months old and should weigh at least 3.5 kg. Side effects: Ziagen can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects may include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. In some cases, patients may experience a hypersensitivity reaction to Ziagen, which can result in a severe rash, fever, fatigue, and in some cases severe liver problems. Patients who experience a hypersensitivity reaction should immediately stop taking Ziagen and seek medical attention. In rare cases, Ziagen may cause lactic acidosis, a life-threatening condition that occurs when lactic acid builds up in the body. Interactions: Ziagen may interact with other medications that the patient is taking. Patients should inform their doctor or pharmacist about all medications they are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, to avoid the risk of drug interactions. Generic options: Abacavir sulfate, the active ingredient in Ziagen, is available in generic form. The generic version of Ziagen is available under the name abacavir and is generally less expensive than the brand-name medication. Patients who are prescribed Ziagen may wish to ask their doctor about the availability of the generic version of the medication. Conclusion: Ziagen is an effective medication for treating HIV-1 infection in both adult and pediatric patients. Patients should follow their doctor's instructions regarding dosage and administration of Ziagen and should inform their doctor about any side effects they experience. Patients who experience a hypersensitivity reaction to Ziagen should immediately stop taking the medication and seek medical attention. Ziagen can interact with other medications, and patients should inform their doctor or pharmacist about all medications they are taking. Abacavir sulfate, the active ingredient in Ziagen, is available in generic form under the name abacavir.