Brand Names

How to Use

Take this drug exactly as directed by your family doctor. Do not take it more often and do not take it for a longer time than your family doctor ordered. Always do not stop taking this drug without checking with your family doctor first.

Keep taking efavirenz for the full time of treat even if you begin to feel better. It is also important that you continue taking all other medication for HIV infection your family doctor has instructed you to take.

Efavirenz may be taken with or without meals. However, meals high in fat must be avoided because the amount of efavirenz absorbed into the body may be increased, which might increase the risk of side effects.

The central nervous system - CNS side effects that may occur with this drug usually lessen after you have taken the drug for a while. Always taking efavirenz at bedtime, especially during the first 2 to 4 weeks, may lessen these side effects.

Dosage

The number of capsules that you take depends on the strength of the drug.

• For oral dosage form - capsules:
  • For treat of HIV infection:
    • Adults 600 milligrams - mg once a day, taken with other medication.
    • Children 3 years of age and older - by weight
      • 10 to 15 kilograms - 22 to 33 pounds of body weight: 200 mg once a day, taken with other medication.
      • 15 to 20 kilograms - 33 to 44 pounds of body weight: 250 mg once a day, taken with other medication.
      • 20 to 25 kilograms - 44 to 55 pounds of body weight: 300 mg once a day, taken with other medication.
      • 25 to 32.5 kilograms - 55 to 71.5 pounds of body weight: 350 mg once a day, taken with other medication.
      • 32.5 to 40 kilograms - 71.5 to 88 pounds of body weight: 400 mg once a day, taken with other medication.
      • 40 kilograms - 88 pounds of body weight or over: 600 mg once a day, taken with other medication.
    • Children up to 3 years of age Use and dose must be determined by your family doctor.

Missed dose If you miss a dose of this drug, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage To store this drug:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the drug to break down.
• Do not keep outdated drug or drug no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded drug is out of the reach of children.