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 brand names are available for delavirdine?
Rescriptor
Is delavirdine available as a generic drug?
No
Do I need a prescription for delavirdine?
Yes
What are the side effects of delavirdine?
The most common side effects of delavirdine are:
Other important side effects include
- agitation,
- difficulty sleeping,
- abdominal cramps, and
- muscle pain.
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.
Is delavirdine safe to take if I’m pregnant or 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).