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Abacavir Sulfate (ABC) – Overview 💊

Chemical Name: Abacavir Sulfate
CAS Number: 188062-50-4
Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₁₈N₆O·H₂SO₄

Description:
Abacavir Sulfate is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) used in the treatment of HIV-1 infection. It works by inhibiting the action of reverse transcriptase, an enzyme crucial for viral replication. By blocking this enzyme, Abacavir prevents HIV from multiplying and reduces the viral load in the patient’s body.

Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder

Odorless

Solubility: Soluble in water Slightly soluble in ethanol

Pharmacological Use: Prescribed as part of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) Often combined with Lamivudine, Zidovudine, or other NRTIs

Mechanism of Action: After phosphorylation inside cells, Abacavir incorporates into viral DNA.
Causes chain termination, preventing further elongation of viral DNA.

Dosage Forms: Oral tablets
Oral solution (for pediatric use)

Side Effects (common): Hypersensitivity reactions (can be severe; HLA-B*5701 testing recommended before treatment) Nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue

Rare: liver toxicity, lactic acidosis