Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: nevirapine
BRAND NAME: Viramune
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Nevirapine is an oral medication that is used for the treatment of infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is similar to efavirenz
(Sustiva) and delavirdine (Rescriptor). Nevirapine is in a class of drugs called reverse transcriptase inhibitors which also includes zalcitabine
(Hivid), zidovudine (Retrovir), didanosine (Videx), and lamivudine (Epivir). During infection with HIV, the HIV virus multiplies within the body's cells. The newly-formed viruses then are released from the cells and spread throughout the body where they infect other cells. In this manner, the infection spreads to new, uninfected cells that the body is continually
producing, and HIV infection is perpetuated. When producing new viruses, the HIV virus must manufacture new DNA for each virus. Reverse transcriptase is the enzyme that the virus uses to form this new DNA. Nevirapine directly inhibits the activity of reverse transcriptase and blocks the production of DNA and new viruses. Unlike zidovudine, nevirapine does not need to be converted to an active form and it does not compete with the compound (thymidine triphosphate) that is required by HIV virus to make new DNA. Nevirapine does not kill existing HIV virus and it is not a cure for HIV. The FDA approved nevirapine in September, 1996.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 200 mg
Suspension: 10 mg/ml
STORAGE: Store at room temperature, 15-30°C (59-86°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Nevirapine is used together with other anti-HIV drugs for the treatment of HIV infection.
DOSING: The starting dose for adults is 200 mg daily. After 14 days the dose should be increased to 200 mg every 12 hours. Nevirapine must be administered in combination with other anti-HIV drugs because the HIV virus quickly becomes resistant to treatment when nevirapine is used alone.
Nevirapine may be administered without regard to meals since food does not reduce its absorption.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Rifampin (Rifadin), rifabutin
(Mycobutin), ketoconazole (Nizoral) and St. John's Wort decrease blood concentrations of nevirapine by increasing its breakdown. Decreased blood concentration may reduce the effect of nevirapine.
Nevirapine reduces the blood concentration of oral contraceptives and this could result in inadequate birth control. Nevirapine also decreases the concentration of methadone
(Dolophine) and this could lead to narcotic withdrawal symptoms.
PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies of nevirapine in pregnant women.
NURSING MOTHERS: Nevirapine is excreted in human breast
milk. Nursing should be discontinued during nevirapine therapy. In addition, HIV infected mothers should not nurse because of the risk of transmitting HIV to an infant that is not infected.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects of nevirapine are rash,
headaches, diarrhea, nausea, fever, abdominal pain and muscle pain (myalgia). The most serious side effects are liver failure and severe skin reactions.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 1/26/2001 12:24:00 PM
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus - Read about HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) causes, symptoms, signs, treatment, prevention, transmission, facts, testing, research (vaccine), statistics and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
HIV / AIDS RSS