TENOFOVIR DISOPROXIL FUMARATE 300MG TABLET
TENOFOVIR_DISOPROXIL_FUMARATE
What it does
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is an antiviral medication used to treat certain viral infections.
Commonly used for: HIV infection (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), Chronic hepatitis B (liver infection)
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Source: Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-21 17:37:39 · updated 2026-09-29 04:33:05
About this medicine
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is an antiviral medication used to treat certain viral infections.
What it treats
- HIV infection (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
- Chronic hepatitis B (liver infection)
How it works
It helps to lower the amount of virus in the body by blocking its ability to multiply.
Who it's for
This medicine is for adults and children over a certain age who have been diagnosed with HIV or chronic hepatitis B.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Tenofovirdisoproxil
BNF-referencedTenofovir disoproxil is an antiretroviral medication primarily used to treat HIV infection and chronic hepatitis B infection. It is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) that works by inhibiting viral replication. It is often prescribed in combination with other antiretroviral drugs to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Tenofovir disoproxil is available in tablet form for oral administration.
Indications
- HIV infection in combination with other antiretroviral drugs
- Chronic hepatitis B infection with compensated liver disease
- Chronic hepatitis B infection with decompensated liver disease
Dosage
Children: For children weighing up to 30 kg: 1 mg/kg twice daily. For children weighing 30-59 kg: 30 mg twice daily.
Adults: 245 mg once daily by mouth.
Mechanism of action
Tenofovir disoproxil is converted intracellularly to tenofovir diphosphate, which competes with natural deoxyadenosine triphosphate for incorporation into viral DNA. This incorporation causes chain termination and inhibits viral replication. The drug targets the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which is crucial for the replication of HIV and hepatitis B virus.
Pharmacodynamics
As an NRTI, tenofovir disoproxil exhibits a dose-dependent effect on viral replication. It effectively reduces viral load in patients with HIV and chronic hepatitis B. The drug's efficacy is enhanced when used in combination with other antiretroviral agents, leading to improved outcomes in managing these viral infections.
Pharmacokinetics
Tenofovir disoproxil is well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, with peak plasma concentrations occurring approximately 1-2 hours after oral administration. It has a half-life of about 12-18 hours, allowing for once-daily dosing. The drug is primarily eliminated via renal excretion, and dosage adjustments are recommended for patients with renal impairment.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to peanut or soya products
- Renal impairment with creatinine clearance less than 50 mL/minute
Adverse effects
- Abdominal distension
- Proximal renal tubulopathy
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Somnolence
Interactions
- Ciclosporin - unknown effect on exposure
- Eltrombopag - unknown effect on exposure
- Ledipasvir with sofosbuvir - unknown effect on exposure
- Leflunomide - unknown effect on exposure
- Teriflunomide - unknown effect on exposure
- Velpatasvir - unknown effect on exposure
- Voxilaprevir with sofosbuvir and velpatasvir - potentially increases concentration
Precautions
- Caution in elderly patients due to limited information
- Monitor renal function and serum phosphate before treatment and periodically thereafter
- Counsel patients regarding the impact on driving and skilled tasks due to potential dizziness and fatigue
Pregnancy
Manufacturer advises avoidance during pregnancy due to limited safety data.
Breast-feeding
Manufacturer advises caution; consult relevant guidelines.
Storage
Store below 30°C, in a dry place, away from direct light.
Formulations
- Tablets: 245 mg
- Granules: 132 mg (approx. equivalent to 245 mg when reconstituted)
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Clinical monograph: tenofovirdisoproxilfumarate
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is an antiretroviral medication used primarily in the treatment of HIV-1 infection and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. It is a prodrug of tenofovir, a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), which works by inhibiting the replication of viral DNA.
Indications
- HIV-1 infection
- Chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific paediatric dosing recommendations.
Adults: Refer to the relevant clinical guidelines or the BNF for specific dosing recommendations.
Mechanism of action
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is converted to its active form, tenofovir, which competes with natural deoxynucleotides for incorporation into viral DNA by reverse transcriptase. This incorporation results in chain termination, preventing further viral replication. It also has a similar mechanism against HBV, inhibiting viral replication.
Pharmacodynamics
Tenofovir exhibits a dose-dependent inhibition of HIV-1 and HBV replication. The drug is effective against a broad range of HIV-1 subtypes and has been shown to have a high barrier to resistance. Its antiviral activity is measured by its ability to reduce viral load in patients, leading to improved immune function as indicated by increases in CD4+ T-cell counts.
Pharmacokinetics
After oral administration, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is rapidly absorbed and converted to tenofovir. It has a bioavailability of approximately 25% when taken with food. The drug is primarily eliminated by the kidneys, with a half-life of about 17 hours. Steady-state concentrations are achieved within 2 days of dosing. Renal function should be monitored as tenofovir can cause nephrotoxicity.
Adverse effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Rash
- Renal impairment
- Bone mineral density loss
- Lactic acidosis
Interactions
- Didanosine
- Acyclovir
- Cidofovir
- Rifampicin
- St. John's Wort
Precautions
- Monitor renal function regularly
- Assess for signs of lactic acidosis
- Evaluate bone mineral density in long-term use
- Use with caution in patients with pre-existing renal impairment
Pregnancy
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is classified as category B. Animal studies have not shown teratogenic effects, but clinical data in pregnant women are limited. Use only if clearly needed.
Breast-feeding
Tenofovir is excreted in human milk. The decision to continue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug should consider the benefits of breastfeeding against the mother's need for the drug.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Tablets: 300 mg
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.