Stavudine is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. It is in a class of drugs known as antivirals.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
(for details about the summarized interactions, read the full article)
 May be Beneficial: Side effect
reduction/prevention—Taking these supplements may help reduce the likelihood and/or
severity of a potential side effect caused by the medication. |
Vitamin B1* |
| Depletion or interference |
None known |
| Supportive interaction |
None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability |
None known |
| Adverse interaction |
None known |
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Vitamin B1
(thiamine)
A 30-year-old woman who was taking stavudine developed a rare side effect called lactic
acidosis, which was successfully treated with intravenous thiamine.1 Controlled
studies are needed to determine whether lactic acidosis might be prevented if people taking
stavudine supplement with vitamin B1. Until more information is available, some health
practitioners may recommend supplemental vitamin B1 to individuals taking stavudine.
1. Schramm C, Wanitschke R, Galle PR. Thiamin for the treatment of nucleoside analogue-induced severe lactic acidosis. Eur J Anaesthesiol 1999;16:733–5.
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires July 2004.