Entecavir Pharmacology

Entecavir

About Entecavir
Nucleoside analog, reverse transcriptase inhibitor, oral antiviral drug used in the treatment of hepatitis B infection.
Mechanism of Action of Entecavir
By competing with the natural substrate deoxyguanosine triphosphate, entecavir functionally inhibits all three activities of the HBV polymerase (reverse transcriptase, rt): (1) base priming, (2) reverse transcription of the negative strand from the pregenomic messenger RNA, and (3) synthesis of the positive strand of HBV DNA. Upon activation by kinases, the drug can be incorporated into the DNA which has the ultimate effect of inhibiting the HBV polymerase activity.
Pharmacokinets of Entecavir
1.Absorption:Well absorbed orally
2.Distribution: Extensively distributed.Approximately 13% protein bound.
3.Metabolism: No oxidative or acetylated metabolites found. Minor amounts of phase 2 metabolites
4.Elimination: Eliminated predominantly by kidney
Onset of Action for Entecavir
N/A
Duration of Action for Entecavir
N/A
Half Life of Entecavir
128 to 149 h
Side Effects of Entecavir
1.Headache
2.Fatigue
3.Dizziness
4.Nausea
5.Heartburn
6.Drowsiness
7.Sleep disturbances
Contra-indications of Entecavir
Hypersensitivity
Special Precautions while taking Entecavir
1.Caution should be exercised in patients with history of HIV infection
2.Renal Function Impairment: Dose reduction recommended for patients with CrCl less than 50 mL/min.
3.Avoid excess dosage and abrupt withdrawal
4.Liver problems
5.Obesity
Pregnancy Related Information
Use with caution.
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution.
Breast Feeding Related Information
Use with caution.
Children Related Information
Use with caution.
Indications for Entecavir
For the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in adults with evidence of active viral replication and either evidence of persistent elevations in serum aminotransferases (ALT or AST) or histologically active disease.
Interactions for Entecavir
N/A
Typical Dosage for Entecavir
The recommended dose is 0.5 mg to 1mg once daily on an empty stomach.
Schedule of Entecavir
N/A
Storage Requirements for Entecavir
Store it at room temperature, and in an airtight container. Keep away from children.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Entecavir
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Effects of Overdose of Entecavir
Contact immediate medical emergency.

Home Delivery for Entecavir in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including entecavir.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for entecavir and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for entecavir may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take entecavir only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for entecavir before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for entecavir with the pharmacy.

Entecavir is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for entecavir might be better known than entecavir itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have entecavir in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for entecavir.