Description
Zepdon 400mg (Raltegravir) Tablets
Zepdon 400mg contains raltegravir 400mg, an HIV integrase strand transfer inhibitor used with other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV-1 infection. The product shown contains raltegravir 400mg film-coated tablets in Cipla packaging.
Quick answer: Raltegravir 400mg is an antiretroviral medicine used as part of a combination HIV treatment. It may also be included in certain post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) regimens under medical supervision. The correct regimen depends on the individual’s HIV status, treatment history, other medicines, and clinical circumstances.
For additional prescription medicines and healthcare products, visit our online medicine shop.
What is Zepdon 400mg?
Zepdon 400mg is a tablet containing raltegravir 400mg. Raltegravir belongs to a group of HIV medicines called integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs).
Raltegravir blocks HIV integrase, an enzyme that HIV needs to insert its genetic material into human cells. By interfering with this process, raltegravir helps reduce the amount of HIV in the blood when used as part of an appropriate antiretroviral regimen. MedlinePlus explains how raltegravir works and how it is used.
The U.S. FDA has approved raltegravir products, including the 400mg tablet formulation. However, FDA approval of a raltegravir product in the United States does not automatically mean that the specific Zepdon brand shown on this page is FDA-approved.
Zepdon 400mg Composition
- Active ingredient: Raltegravir
- Strength: 400mg
- Dosage form: Film-coated tablet
- Drug class: Integrase strand transfer inhibitor
- Brand: Zepdon
- Manufacturer shown: Cipla
Packaging, tablet appearance, and pack size can vary between markets and manufacturing batches. Always check the physical packaging and prescription information supplied with the medicine.
What Is Raltegravir 400mg Used For?
Raltegravir 400mg is used with other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV-1 infection. It does not cure HIV, but effective antiretroviral therapy can reduce HIV levels in the blood and help protect the immune system.
Modern HIV treatment generally uses combinations of antiretroviral medicines. Therefore, raltegravir should not be considered a complete HIV treatment by itself unless a qualified HIV specialist specifically directs its use within an appropriate regimen.
Raltegravir 400mg Uses
Healthcare professionals may use raltegravir as part of an antiretroviral treatment regimen for HIV-1 infection.
- HIV-1 treatment as part of combination antiretroviral therapy
- Selected HIV treatment regimens based on treatment history and resistance considerations
- Certain HIV post-exposure prophylaxis regimens under appropriate medical supervision
Current U.S. HIV guidance should guide treatment selection because preferred HIV regimens can change as new evidence and medicines become available. The U.S. HIV Clinical Guidelines were updated in August 2026. View the current NIH HIV Clinical Guidelines.
How Does Raltegravir Work?
HIV needs the integrase enzyme to incorporate viral genetic material into human cells. Raltegravir inhibits this enzyme.
As a result, the medicine interferes with HIV replication. When combined with other active antiretroviral medicines, raltegravir can help lower the amount of HIV in the blood.
Raltegravir 400mg Dose
The appropriate raltegravir dose depends on the formulation and clinical situation. Do not change your dose without medical advice.
For the 400mg film-coated tablet, current U.S. HIV treatment guidance lists 400mg twice daily for appropriate patients. The 400mg formulation should not be treated as interchangeable with the 600mg high-dose formulation because their dosing schedules differ.
For this reason, patients should follow the exact prescription provided by their HIV healthcare professional.
How to Take Raltegravir 400mg
Take raltegravir exactly as prescribed. The medicine can generally be taken with or without food, according to the applicable product instructions.
- Take each dose at the prescribed time.
- Swallow the 400mg film-coated tablet whole.
- Do not change from 400mg tablets to 600mg tablets without medical guidance.
- Continue your other prescribed HIV medicines unless your healthcare professional tells you otherwise.
- Do not stop treatment because you feel well.
Missing doses can reduce treatment effectiveness and may allow HIV to develop resistance to medicines. Therefore, maintaining the prescribed schedule is important.
Raltegravir 400mg and HIV PEP
Raltegravir can be used as part of certain HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) regimens. However, PEP requires a complete antiretroviral regimen rather than raltegravir alone.
Current CDC clinical guidance lists tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300mg plus emtricitabine 200mg once daily together with raltegravir 400mg twice daily as one PEP regimen for otherwise healthy adults and adolescents.
Importantly, PEP is time-sensitive. CDC guidance recommends evaluation as soon as possible and no later than 72 hours after a potential HIV exposure. PEP is generally prescribed for 28 days when indicated.
Do not attempt to create a PEP regimen yourself. Seek urgent medical care after a potential HIV exposure.
Raltegravir 400mg Side Effects
Like other medicines, raltegravir can cause side effects. Commonly reported effects include:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Insomnia
- Diarrhea
- Fever
Not everyone experiences these effects. Tell your healthcare professional if symptoms become severe, persistent, or unusual.
Serious Raltegravir Side Effects
Some reactions require immediate medical attention. Seek urgent care for severe rash, skin blistering or peeling, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms of a serious hypersensitivity reaction.
Raltegravir has also been associated with muscle-related problems. Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you develop significant muscle pain or weakness, particularly with dark or cola-colored urine.
Raltegravir and Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every prescription medicine, over-the-counter medicine, vitamin, mineral, supplement, and herbal product you take.
In particular, aluminum- and magnesium-containing antacids can interact with raltegravir. Current guidance recommends avoiding coadministration or inappropriate spacing with these products.
Raltegravir can also interact with certain medicines, including rifampin. The appropriate raltegravir dose may change when rifampin is used. Therefore, never adjust the dose yourself.
Raltegravir and Other HIV Medicines
Raltegravir is usually used with other antiretroviral medicines. Common HIV medicines that may appear in treatment discussions include dolutegravir, bictegravir, tenofovir, emtricitabine, and elvitegravir.
These medicines are not automatically interchangeable. HIV treatment selection depends on resistance testing, previous treatment, kidney and liver function, interactions, pregnancy considerations, adherence, and other clinical factors.
Raltegravir vs Dolutegravir
Raltegravir and dolutegravir both belong to the integrase inhibitor class. However, they have different dosing schedules, interaction profiles, formulations, and roles within modern HIV treatment.
Current U.S. HIV guidelines generally favor newer regimens in many treatment situations. Consequently, the choice between raltegravir and dolutegravir should come from an individualized treatment plan rather than a simple product comparison.
Raltegravir vs Bictegravir
Bictegravir and raltegravir are both HIV integrase inhibitors. Bictegravir is available as part of a fixed-dose combination tablet, while raltegravir is available in several formulations.
The appropriate medicine depends on the complete HIV regimen and individual clinical factors. A healthcare professional should make this decision.
Raltegravir vs Elvitegravir
Both raltegravir and elvitegravir inhibit HIV integrase. However, they differ in formulation, dosing, pharmacokinetics, and combination products.
Therefore, one should not be substituted for the other without guidance from an HIV healthcare professional.
Raltegravir and Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or could become pregnant, tell your healthcare professional before starting or changing HIV treatment.
HIV treatment during pregnancy requires careful selection of antiretroviral medicines because maintaining viral suppression protects the health of the pregnant person and reduces the risk of HIV transmission to the baby.
Raltegravir and Breastfeeding
Discuss breastfeeding with your HIV healthcare professional. Both HIV and some medicines can affect an infant, so individualized medical advice is important. Do not make treatment or feeding changes without professional guidance.
What Happens If You Miss a Raltegravir Dose?
Take the missed dose when you remember, unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that situation, follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional and do not take two doses together unless specifically instructed.
Frequent missed doses can increase the risk of treatment failure and HIV drug resistance.
Raltegravir Resistance
HIV can develop resistance when antiretroviral therapy does not adequately suppress viral replication. Missing doses, stopping treatment, or using an incomplete regimen can increase this risk.
For that reason, take raltegravir together with the other prescribed HIV medicines and attend recommended laboratory and clinical appointments.
Zepdon 400mg Price
The price of Zepdon 400mg can vary according to pack size, supplier, market, availability, and shipping location. Check the current product listing for the applicable price and availability.
You can also explore other medicines through our online medicine shop.
Zepdon 400mg Storage
Keep raltegravir in its original container and follow the storage instructions on the product label. Keep the medicine tightly closed and away from excessive heat and moisture.
Store all medicines safely and out of the reach of children.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zepdon 400mg
What is Zepdon 400mg?
Zepdon 400mg is a branded product containing raltegravir 400mg, an HIV integrase inhibitor used as part of combination antiretroviral therapy.
What is raltegravir 400mg used for?
Raltegravir 400mg is used with other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV-1 infection. It can also form part of certain HIV PEP regimens under medical supervision.
Is raltegravir an HIV medicine?
Yes. Raltegravir is an antiretroviral medicine that belongs to the integrase strand transfer inhibitor class.
What is the usual raltegravir 400mg dose?
For appropriate patients using the 400mg film-coated tablet, current U.S. HIV guidance lists 400mg twice daily. Individual treatment plans can differ, so follow the prescription provided by your healthcare professional.
Can raltegravir 400mg be used for HIV PEP?
Yes. Raltegravir 400mg twice daily is included in certain 3-drug PEP regimens. PEP should begin as soon as possible and no later than 72 hours after a potential exposure when clinically indicated.
Is raltegravir a cure for HIV?
No. Raltegravir does not cure HIV. It helps suppress HIV when used correctly as part of antiretroviral therapy.
What are common raltegravir side effects?
Common side effects can include nausea, headache, dizziness, tiredness, insomnia, diarrhea, and fever. Serious reactions can also occur and require medical attention.
Can raltegravir be taken with antacids?
Some antacids can interact with raltegravir. Aluminum- and magnesium-containing antacids require particular caution, so ask a healthcare professional before using them with raltegravir.
Is Zepdon 400 mg FDA-approved?
FDA-approved raltegravir products exist in the United States, including 400mg tablets. However, that fact does not establish FDA approval of the specific Zepdon brand shown on this page. Verify the regulatory status of the specific product in the country where it will be dispensed or used.
U.S. Medical Information and References
- MedlinePlus: Raltegravir Drug Information
- NIH Clinical Guidelines for HIV/AIDS
- CDC: Clinical Guidance for HIV PEP
- CDC: 2025 Nonoccupational HIV PEP Guidelines
- FDA: HIV and AIDS Medicines
- FDA Drugs@FDA
Important U.S. Regulatory Notice
Raltegravir is an FDA-approved active ingredient with U.S. approved products, but this does not mean that every raltegravir brand, manufacturer, strength, or package sold internationally has FDA approval.
The regulatory status of Zepdon 400mg should be verified for the destination country and intended use. Prescription, dispensing, importation, and use of antiretroviral medicines are subject to applicable laws and healthcare regulations.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. HIV treatment requires individualized care from a qualified healthcare professional.
Do not start, stop, combine, or change HIV medicines without medical guidance. If you believe you have recently been exposed to HIV, seek urgent medical care because PEP is time-sensitive.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.