Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Also, do not change the dose or stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. When your supply of this medicine is running low, contact your doctor or pharmacist ahead of time. Do not allow yourself to run out of this medicine.

This medicine comes with a patient information insert. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Keep using dolutegravir for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better. It is also important to take this medicine together with other medicines for HIV. Be sure to take all of the medicines your doctor ordered, and to take them at the right times.

This medicine is available in tablet or tablet for suspension forms. Do not switch medicines unless your doctor tells you to.

Swallow the tablet or tablet for suspension whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. If you need more than one dose of this medicine, swallow one medicine at a time to prevent the risk of choking.

If you are unable to swallow the tablet for suspension whole:

  • You may mix it in 5 milliliters (mL) of water (for 1 or 3 tablets) or 10 mL of water (for 4, 5, or 6 tablets) in the medicine cup.
  • Use drinking water only to prepare the dose. Do not use any other drink or food.
  • Swirl the cup gently for 1 to 2 minutes or until no lumps of tablet remain. Drink the oral liquid at least 30 minutes after mixing.
  • You may add another 5 mL of water to the cup and drink it to make sure you get the full dose.

Use the supplied medicine cup to prepare and give the oral liquid to children. Use the oral syringe to give this medicine to infants.

You may take this medicine with or without food.

If you are taking antacids or laxatives containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium, sucralfate, calcium or iron supplements, or buffered medicines, take dolutegravir at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take these medicines.

You may also take calcium or iron supplements together with this medicine if you take them with food.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For treatment of HIV infection:
    • For oral dosage form (tablets):
      • Adults—50 milligrams (mg) 2 times a day. If you are switching to dolutegravir and rilpivirine treatment, take 50 mg of dolutegravir and 25 mg of rilpivirine once a day.
      • Children 4 weeks of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor:
        • Children weighing 20 kilograms (kg) or more—50 mg once a day (one 50-mg tablet).
        • Children weighing 14 to less than 20 kg—40 mg once a day (four 10-mg tablet).
      • Children younger than 4 weeks of age or weighing less than 14 kg—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oral dosage form (tablets for suspension):
      • Children 4 weeks of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor:
        • Children weighing 20 kilograms (kg) or more—30 milligrams (mg) once a day (six 5-mg tablet).
        • Children weighing 14 to less than 20 kg—25 mg once a day (five 5-mg tablet).
        • Children weighing 10 to less than 14 kg—20 mg once a day (four 5-mg tablet).
        • Children weighing 6 to less than 10 kg—15 mg once a day (three 5-mg tablet).
        • Children weighing 3 to less than 6 kg—5 mg once a day (one 5-mg tablet).
      • Children younger than 4 weeks of age or weighing less than 3 kg—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Store the medicine in its original bottle. Keep it tightly closed and protect from moisture.

Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024

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