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Written By
Sakshi Anil More
B. Pharm
Reviewed By
Dr. Tejashwin Adiga
MBBS
Last updated : 31 Mar 2026 | 09:31 AM (IST)
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Quick Summary
DOLUTEGRAVIR
Last updated on 31 Mar 2026 | 09:31 AM (IST)
DOLUTEGRAVIR
Background and Date of approval DOLUTEGRAVIR
Dolutegravir was approved as antiretroviral medication by FDA on 12/08/2013 to treat HIV infection.
Uses of DOLUTEGRAVIR
Dolutegravir has been developed to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) in adults and children infected with HIV 1.
How is DOLUTEGRAVIR administered?
Dolutegravir is available as film coated tablets and oral suspension. The tablets are available in the dose 50mg. The usual recommended dosage of Dolutegravir is one tablet everyday with or without food.
Side Effects of DOLUTEGRAVIR
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Dolutegravir Tablet are sleeping trouble, tiredness and headache. Some serious adverse reactions include bone loss, worsening of Hepatitis B and C infection, kidney injury, immune reconstitution syndrome, lactic acidosis, and liver problems. If you experience any allergic reactions after taking this tablet, report to your doctor immediately.
Warnings
Do not take this medication if you have experienced hypersensitivity reactions to Dolutegravir or its ingredients. During treatment with Dolutegravir Tablet, your doctor will test you for hepatitis B virus and may periodically monitor your blood counts, bone mineral density, liver and kidney parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, high blood cholesterol, pancreatitis, bone disease, fractures, liver or kidney problems. Tell your healthcare provider and discontinue medication if you experience unusual blisters, breathing trouble, swelling of face, mouth, lips or tongue, dark urine or extreme tiredness.
Precautions
Adults of childbearing potential should consider using an effective contraceptive to prevent unwanted pregnancy. If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, your physician might suggest an alternative treatment as Dolutegravir is not recommended during early pregnancy. Breastfeeding is not recommended due to potential transmission of HIV from mother to the baby.
Word of Advice
Dolutegravir can make you feel tired. Hence, you should avoid driving or handling machines during this treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.
What should you do if you forget to take a dose of Dolutegravir Tablet?
If you forget to take a dose of Dolutegravir tablet, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, take your next dose as per schedule and do not take extra tablet to make up for the missed dose.
Q2.
What happens when you stop taking Dolutegravir Tablet?
If you stop taking Dolutegravir Tablet without consulting your physician, especially if you are undergoing treatment for HIV and hepatitis B, you might experience a flare-up of hepatitis B infection.
Q3.
Can you drink alcohol during treatment with Dolutegravir Tablet?
It is not recommended to consume alcohol while on treatment with Dolutegravir Tablet as alcohol might affect the way this medication works in your body.
Q4.
What are the required laboratory parameters prior to starting this treatment?
If you are an adolescent or adult of childbearing potential, your healthcare provider will perform pregnancy test before prescribing this treatment. Other prominent tests include test for HBV infection, liver and kidney function tests and urine tests.
Q5.
How to store Dolutegravir tablets?
Store Dolutegravir tablets between 20-25˚C away from the reach of children. Keep the container closed to protect the tablets from moisture.
Q6.
What are some of the long-term side effects of treatment with Dolutegravir?
Some serious side effects of treatment with Dolutegravir Tablet include worsening of hepatitis B, bone loss, kidney injury, pancreatitis, immune reconstitution syndrome, liver toxicity and hypersensitivity reactions.
Q7.
When is the best time to take Dolutegravir?
It is best to take Dolutegravir Tablet in the morning or during the day. Take Dolutegravir Tablet at the same time each day.
References
- KD Tripathi, Antiviral Drugs (Anti-retrovirus), Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 860-872.
- GlaxoSmithKline, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Oct 2022] [Accessed on 13th Oct 2022], https://gskpro.com/content/dam/global/hcpportal/en_US/Prescribing_Information/Tivicay/pdf/TIVICAY-PI-PIL-IFU.PDF#page=1
- Kandel CE, Walmsley SL, Dolutegravir - a review of the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety in the treatment of HIV, Drug Des Devel Ther., 2015, 7(9), 3547-55, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4500604/pdf/dddt-9-3547.pdf
Disclaimer
The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.
