Increasing number of anti-HIV drugs but no definite cure. Review of anti-HIV drugs.
OBJECTIVE
This review surveys the different classes of drugs.


METHODS
We searched electronic databases and selected articles about pharmacotherapy with anti-retroviral drugs.


RESULTS
We discuss anti-retroviral drugs: the nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), and the protease inhibitors (PIs). The combination of a PI and two NRTIs is very effective and lowers the viral load to below the limit of detection. However, it is not yet possible to eliminate the virus completely. Recently, the first member of a brand new class of drugs has become available, the fusion inhibitor enfuvirtide. We also discuss the problems associated with combining anti-retroviral drugs, such as compliance, resistance and serious side effects.


CONCLUSIONS
It is important to investigate new combinations with new classes of drugs, like the fusion inhibitors, for better effectiveness and fewer side effects.
Stolk
Leo M L
LM
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, University Hospital of Maastricht, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands. l.stolk@farmaco.unimaas.nl
Lüers
Jos F J
JF
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D000077560:Enfuvirtide; D015700:HIV Envelope Protein gp41 / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017320:HIV Protease Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018894:Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D015700:HIV Envelope Protein gp41; D017320:HIV Protease Inhibitors; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D018894:Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors; D000077560:Enfuvirtide