Efavirenz plasma concentrations did not predict cessation of therapy due to neuropsychiatric symptoms in a large randomized trial.
To assess whether trial participants who ceased efavirenz (EFV) because of neuropsychiatric events had elevated plasma concentrations, we performed a retrospective case-control study. EFV levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography in stored plasma from 35 cases and 75 matched controls. All had taken EFV for at least 4 weeks. Median EFV concentrations did not differ (P = 0.77). Measurement of EFV levels in plasma collected at variable times after the last dose did not predict central nervous system intolerance.
Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Carlton, Australia.
Tim R H
TR
Read
Dianne
D
Carey
Patrick
P
Mallon
Anne
A
Mijch
Ruth
R
Goodall
Fleur
F
Hudson
Handan
H
Wand
Sean
S
Emery
D000480:Alkynes; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood; D048588:Benzoxazines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D003521:Cyclopropanes; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*
D000480:Alkynes; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D048588:Benzoxazines; D003521:Cyclopropanes; C098320:efavirenz