Generic Name: delavirdine
Brand Name: Rescriptor
Drug Class: HIV, NNRTIs
What is delavirdine, and what is it used for?
Delavirdine 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 nevirapine (Viramune). Delavirdine 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 virus, the HIV virus must manufacture new DNA for each virus.
Reverse transcriptase is the enzyme that the virus uses to form this new DNA. Delavirdine directly inhibits the activity of reverse transcriptase and blocks the production of DNA and new virus. Delavirdine does not kill existing HIV virus, and it is not a cure for HIV. Delavirdine was approved by the FDA in April 1997.
What are the side effects of delavirdine?
The most common side effects of delavirdine are:
Other important side effects include
What is the dosage for delavirdine?
The recommended dose for adults is 400 mg three times daily. To administer as a solution four 100 mg tablets in at least 3 oz of water should stand for a few minutes. It then shoud be mixed and consumed in its entirety immediately. Delavirdine may be administered without regard to meals since food does not reduce its absorption.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
It is not known whether delavirdine is secreted in breast milk. HIV infected mothers should not nurse their infants because of the risk of transmitting HIV to an infant that is not infected.
What else should I know about delavirdine?
What preparations of delavirdine are available?
Tablets: 100 and 200 mg
How should I keep delavirdine stored?
Delavirdine should be stored at room temperature, 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F).

SLIDESHOW
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Delavirdine is a drug prescribed along with other anti-HIV drugs to treat HIV infection. The most common side effects of delavirdine are rash, headaches, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and weakness. Several drugs interact with delavirdine.
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Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
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Can the HIV Virus Go Away?
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AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)
AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection. Symptoms and signs of AIDS include pneumonia due to Pneumocystis jiroveci, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, seizures, weakness, meningitis, yeast infection of the esophagus, and Kaposi's sarcoma. Anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) is used in the treatment of AIDS.
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Can HIV be Cured Naturally?
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. If someone has HIV it means that they have been diagnosed with the HIV infection. AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome); however, is the most advanced or final stage of the HIV infection. It is important to get tested for HIV in the early stages of infection to minimize the damage to the immune system. Successful treatment aims to reduce HIV load to a level that is harmless to the body.
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Can I Get HIV From Casual Contact Like Hugging or Touching?
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Can I Test HIV Positive If My Viral Load is Undetectable?
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Does HIV Have a Permanent Cure?
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What Is the Difference Between HIV and AIDS?
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What Does HIV Do to a Person?
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Does HIV Have Different Strains?
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Is HIV PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) Recommended for Me?
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Medications & Supplements
- Drugs: Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist about Your Drugs
- Drug Interactions
- Retrovir (zidovudine, ZDV, formerly called AZT)
- What Are NNRTIs In Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV Infection?
- efavirenz (Sustiva)
- lamivudine (3tc) (Epivir; Epivir HBV)
- didanosine (Videx, Videx EC)
- nevirapine (Viramune, Viramune XR)
- Combivir (lamivudine and zidovudine)
- stavudine (Zerit)
- Side Effects of Rescriptor (delavirdine)

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.