Alternate Name(s):
RETROVIR®
Classification:
Antiretroviral agent
Original Date:
August 2005
Revised Date:
December 2019
Indications:
- Prophylaxis or treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections
Reconstitution and Stability:
- 10 mg/mL solution
- Store unopened vials at room temperature: protect from light
- Diluted solutions (D5W, NS) stable 8 days at room temperature or refrigerated. Since product contains no preservative, manufacturer recommends administration within 8 hours if stored at room temperature or 24 hours if refrigerated
Compatibility:
- Solutions Compatible: D5W, NS
- Additive/Above Cassette Compatible: no information
- Y-site Compatible: morphine, KCl, TPN (amino acids/dextrose), vancomycin
- Incompatible: no information
Administration:
(For approved routes of administration by nursing personnel, refer to Policy for the Administration of Intravenous Medications.)
| SC | NO |
| IM | NO |
| IV Direct | NO |
| IV Intermittent Infusion | YES Usual dilution: 1 mg/mL Infusion time: 30 minutes to 1 hour |
| IV Continuous Infusion | YES Usual dilution: 1 mg/mL |
Dosage:
(For neonatal dosages, refer to Neonatal IV Drug Manual.)
Term neonates and infants < 6 weeks
- 3 mg/kg/dose IV Q12H for a total of 6 weeks of therapy
Potential hazards of parenteral administration:
- Headache, myalgia, nausea, insomnia may occur; often worse during the first two weeks of therapy and usually subside after that
- Granulocytopenia, anemia
- Hepatomegaly, elevated serum AST, LDH and alkaline phosphatase
Adverse Effects:
- Dose related anemia, leukopenia, neutropenia, occurs in up to 30% of patients
- Onset anemia 2-4 weeks; granulocytopenia 6-8 weeks
- Appears to be related to pretreatment bone marrow reserve, dose and duration or therapy
- Dose adjustment, dose interruption, and/or transfusion may be required
- Hematologic toxicity may be additive with other bone marrow suppressive agents
Notes:
- DO NOT administer IM or by intravenous push
- Monitor CBC with differential, platelets, hemoglobin, MCV, reticulocyte count, serum creatine kinase, CD4 cell count, HIV RNA plasma levels, renal and hepatic function tests