Used For:

• As part of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART)

Adult Dosage:

• Standard Dose50 mg once daily🔹 Special SituationsWith enzyme-inducing drugs (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin):50 mg twice dailyAlways used in combination with other ART drugs (e.g., TDF + 3TC/FTC)

Contraindications:

• Do not use in:Known hypersensitivity to dolutegravirConcurrent use with dofetilide (risk of life-threatening arrhythmia)Previous severe allergic reaction to INSTIs

Side Effects:

• Common Side EffectsUsually mild and self-limiting:HeadacheInsomnia or sleep disturbanceNausea, diarrheaFatigueDizzinessLess Common / Serious Side EffectsHypersensitivity reactions (rash, fever, organ involvement)Depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation (rare, higher risk in psychiatric illness)Weight gain (notable with INSTI-based regimens)Elevated liver enzymes (especially in hepatitis B/C coinfection)Rare: Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS)

Precautions:

• Test for Hepatitis B & C before starting therapyUse cautiously in:Patients with severe liver diseaseHistory of mental health disordersPregnancy:Now considered safe, including early pregnancy (per WHO & national guidelines)Do not stop ART abruptly (risk of viral rebound & resistance)Regular monitoring:Viral loadCD4 countLiver & renal function

Dietary Restrictions:

• Can be taken with or without foodAvoid taking simultaneously with:Calcium supplementsIron tabletsMagnesium/aluminum antacidsMaintain:Balanced, nutritious dietAdequate hydrationAvoid excessive alcohol (liver safety)