Stavudine

Stavudine (d4T) is a nucleoside analog used in the treatment of HIV infection. It is part of the antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen and is classified under the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) class of drugs.

History

Stavudine was first synthesized in the 1960s but its potential as an antiretroviral drug was not recognized until the 1980s. It was approved by the FDA in 1994 for the treatment of HIV.

Mechanism of Action

Stavudine works by inhibiting the action of reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that HIV uses to replicate its genetic material. By blocking this enzyme, stavudine prevents the virus from multiplying, thereby reducing the amount of virus in the body.

Side Effects

Like all medications, stavudine can cause side effects. The most common side effects include headache, nausea, and fatigue. More serious side effects can include peripheral neuropathy, pancreatitis, and lactic acidosis. Due to these potential side effects, stavudine is typically only used when other treatment options are not suitable.

Resistance

Resistance to stavudine can develop if the virus mutates in a way that allows it to bypass the drug's mechanism of action. This is why stavudine is usually used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs, a strategy known as HAART.

See Also

• Zidovudine
• Lamivudine
• Didanosine