Efavirenz.
Treatment of HIV infection is typically carried out using a combination of at least three drugs. Efavirenz is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor that acts by non-competitive inhibition of the viral enzyme. Efavirenz-based regimens have performed favorably compared with protease inhibitor-based therapies either in naive patients or as simplification strategies in pretreated subjects. Efavirenz is administered once-daily and its simple dosing schedule improves adherence to therapy allowing for durability of the virologic and clinical responses. In the case of viral rebound, K103N is the most commonly efavirenz-selected viral mutation. As non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors have a distinctive adverse-event profile, protease inhibitor-sparing regimens may reduce the risk of metabolic complications, insulin resistance and peripheral fat redistribution.
Maggiolo
Franco
F
Unit of Antiviral Therapy, Division of Infectious Diseases, Ospedali Riuniti, Bergamo, Italy. franco31556@hotmail.com
D000480:Alkynes; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D048588:Benzoxazines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003521:Cyclopropanes; D004347:Drug Interactions; D024882:Drug Resistance, Viral; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017320:HIV Protease Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D009154:Mutation; D010349:Patient Compliance
D000480:Alkynes; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D048588:Benzoxazines; D003521:Cyclopropanes; D017320:HIV Protease Inhibitors; C098320:efavirenz