Anthropometric Measurements as Predictors of Low Birth Weight Among Tanzanian Neonates: A Hospital-Based Study
November 7, 2025
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Brand Name :
Hepsera
Synonyms :
adefovir dipivoxil
Class :
Hepatitis B/Hepatitis C Agents; Hepatitis B, NRTIs
Brand Name :
Hepsera
Synonyms :
adefovir dipivoxil
Class :
Hepatitis B/Hepatitis C Agents; Hepatitis B, NRTIs
Dosage forms & Strengths:
Adult:
Tablet
10 mg
Indicated for Chronic hepatitis B
10 mg orally each day
Refer to the adult dosing
Actions and Spectrum:
Actions:
adefovir is a nucleotide analog that inhibits the activity of the reverse transcriptase enzyme of the HBV, which is responsible for replicating the viral DNA. adefovir reduces the amount of viral DNA in the infected cells by inhibiting this enzyme. It leads to a decrease in viral load and improved liver function.
Spectrum:
adefovir has a narrow spectrum of activity and is specifically indicated for treating chronic HBV infection. It is not active against other types of viruses, like hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or herpes.
>10%:
Hematuria (11%)
Asthenia (13%)
Hepatitis exacerbation (25%)
1-10%:
Nausea (5%)
Flatulence (4%)
Dyspepsia (3%)
Headache (9%)
Rash (1-10%)
Diarrhea (3%)
Cough (6-8%)
Increased serum Cr (2-3%)
Abnormal liver function
Rhinitis (5%)
Dyspepsia (5-9%)
Pruritus (1-10%)
Increased AST/ALT
Renal failure
Black Box Warning:
The black box warning for adefovir states that close monitoring of kidney function is necessary, especially in patients with underlying kidney disease or risk factors for kidney disease. Patients should also be adequately hydrated and receive appropriate doses of adefovir to reduce the risk of kidney toxicity.
Discontinue treatment of adefovir in severe kidney problems and consider alternative therapy. Healthcare providers should also be aware of the risk of kidney toxicity with adefovir and weigh the benefits and risks of treatment in each patient before initiating therapy.
Contraindication/Caution:
Contraindications:
Cautions:
Pregnancy consideration:
The drug should not be used in pregnancy.
Breastfeeding warnings:
The excretion of the drug in breast milk is unknown.
Pregnancy category:
Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies do not show risk to the fetus in the first/later trimester.
Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.
Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.
Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.
Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category.
Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics:
adefovir is a nucleotide analogue that works by inhibiting the activity of the reverse transcriptase enzyme of the HBV, which is responsible for replicating the viral DNA. By inhibiting this enzyme, adefovir reduces the amount of viral DNA in the infected cells, leading to a decrease in viral load and improved liver function
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption
The bioavailability of adefovir is 59%
Peak plasma time is 0.58-4 hours
Peak plasma concentration is 18.4±6.26 ng/mL
The area under the curve: 220±70 ng•hr/mL
Distribution
Protein Bound: ≤ 4%
The volume of distribution: 317-467 mL/kg
Metabolism
Diester prodrug, adefovir dipivoxil, quickly converts into adefovir
Metabolites:
released in the active form of adefovir
Elimination
Half-life is 7.48±1.65 hours
The renal clearance rate is 231±48.9 mL/min
The drug is excreted in the urine, active tubular secretion and renal glomerular filtration
The drug is dialyzable.
Administration:
adefovir is taken orally as a tablet.
Patient information leaflet
Generic Name: adefovir
Pronounced: ade-fovir
Why do we use adefovir?
adefovir is an antiviral medication used to treat chronic hepatitis B (HBV) infection.
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