What are the side effects of Lamivudine?

Mar 12, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Bai Hongmei
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, lamivudine is available in various dosage forms including tablets, capsules, and oral solution. Its side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, fatigue, rash, and lactic acidosis. In daily life, medication should be taken strictly according to the dosage and course of treatment prescribed by a physician. Do not adjust the dosage or discontinue the medication on your own in order to reduce the risk of worsening side effects due to improper use.

Generally, lamivudine is available in various dosage forms including tablets, capsules, and oral solutions. Its adverse effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, fatigue, rash, and lactic acidosis. If lamivudine is needed, it is recommended to use it under the guidance of a physician. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Gastrointestinal Discomfort

The medication may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, affect the normal peristalsis and digestive functions of the gastrointestinal tract, and interfere with the secretion of digestive fluids and the digestion and absorption of food, thereby causing gastrointestinal discomfort symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

2. Headache

Lamivudine may affect the normal function of the nervous system, disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters, or influence the vasomotor function of cerebral blood vessels. After entering the body, the drug may exert certain effects on the central nervous system through the blood-brain barrier, leading to abnormal dilation or constriction of cerebral blood vessels, which can result in headache.

3. Fatigue

During its metabolism in the body, the drug can affect the body's energy metabolism, interfering with the processes of cellular energy production and utilization, thereby causing insufficient energy supply to various organs and muscles, leading to symptoms of fatigue.

4. Rash

As a foreign substance, lamivudine may trigger an immune response in the body. The immune system identifies the drug as an antigen, activating immune response mechanisms that release certain inflammatory mediators such as histamine. These substances cause vasodilation and increased permeability of skin blood vessels, resulting in skin rashes, often accompanied by itching.

5. Lactic Acidosis

Lamivudine may inhibit mitochondrial DNA polymerase, impair mitochondrial function, and lead to intracellular energy metabolism disorders, increasing lactic acid production. When lactic acid accumulates excessively in the body, exceeding the metabolic and excretory capacity of the organism, lactic acidosis may occur.

In daily life, strictly follow the dosage and treatment course advised by your doctor. Do not adjust the dose or discontinue the medication on your own to reduce the risk of worsening adverse effects due to improper use. Regular monitoring, including liver and kidney function tests, should be conducted to promptly detect any potential adverse reactions and take timely measures for management.

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