Nefivir
Nefivir Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Nefivir is a brand name. Its generic name is Nelfinavir.
Introduction
Nefivir (also known as Viracept) is an antiviral medication used to treat HIV/AIDS. It is a protease inhibitor, which inhibits the activity of an enzyme HIV virus use in order to make more copies of itself. This prevents the virus from multiplying inside the body, thus helping to reduce the amount of virus in the body and improve the patient’s condition.
Uses for
Nefivir is used in combination with other medicines to treat HIV infection. It can also be used to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection.
Mechanism of Action
Nefivir is a protease inhibitor. It works by blocking the activity of an enzyme (HIV-1 protease) which the HIV virus uses to make more copies of itself. By blocking the protease enzyme, the HIV virus cannot make new copies of itself and eventually it is eliminated from the body. This reduces the amount of virus in the body and improves the patient’s condition.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
Nefivir begins to work within one to two hours after taking. However, it is important to remember that it takes time for the virus to be completely eliminated from the body. Patients typically need to take Nefivir for several weeks or months before they experience the full benefits.
Absorption
Nefivir is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Peak concentrations are reached 1 to 5 hours after administration depending on the formulation used.
Route of Elimination
Nefivir is mainly eliminated through the kidneys. Approximately 10 to 20 percent of an administered dose is eliminated unchanged in the urine.
Dosage
Nefivir dosage is dependent on the type and severity of the HIV infection. For adults, the recommended initial dose is 750 mg taken twice daily with food. The dosage may be increased to 1000 mg twice daily if the patient is not achieving an adequate response. In pediatric patients aged 6 to 17 years, the recommended initial dose is 500 mg twice daily with food. The dose may be increased to 750 mg twice daily if an adequate response is not achieved.
Administration
Nefivir should be taken twice daily with food. It is important to take the medication around the same time each day, so that the levels of the medicine in the body remain constant. The tablets should not be chewed, crushed, or split before taking.
Side Effect
Common side effects of nelfinavir include abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and headache. Some more serious side effects may include liver damage, kidney damage, and severe skin rashes. Patients should seek medical advice if they experience any of these symptoms.
Toxicity
Nefivir is generally well tolerated, but in high doses it can cause kidney and liver toxicity. It can also interact with other drugs, potentially leading to severe side effects. Patients should speak to their doctor before taking any drugs in combination with nelfinavir.
Precaution
Before taking nelfinavir, patients should tell their doctor if they are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any other medical conditions. Patients with heart or kidney problems may need to take a lower dose of the medication. They should also let their doctor know about any drugs they are taking, including non-prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Interaction
Nefivir can interact with other drugs and increase the risk of serious side effects. Patients should let their doctor know about all drugs they’re taking, including prescription, non-prescription, herbal, and supplements. Certain drugs, such as rifampin, carbamazepine, and St. John's Wort, can decrease the effectiveness of nelfinavir and should generally not be taken at the same time.
Disease Interaction
Nefivir can interact with certain medical conditions and may cause serious side effects. Patients should tell their doctor if they have kidney or liver disease, diabetes, hemophilia, or any other medical condition before taking the medication.
Drug Interaction
Nefivir can interact with other drugs and increase the risk of serious side effects. Patients should let their doctor know about all drugs they’re taking, including prescription, non-prescription, herbal, and supplements. Certain drugs, such as rifampin, carbamazepine, and St. John's Wort, can decrease the effectiveness of nelfinavir and should generally not be taken at the same time.
Food Interactions
Nefivir should be taken with a meal. Taking it with a high-fat meal can increase the levels of the drug in the body. It is important to take the medication around the same time each day, in order to maintain consistent levels of the drug.
Pregnancy Use
Nefivir should not be used during pregnancy. This drug can cause harm to a developing fetus. Pregnant women should speak to their doctor for advice about what treatments are appropriate for their situation.
Lactation Use
Nefivir should not be used by breastfeeding mothers as it can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Mothers should discuss treatment options with their doctor before taking this medication.
Acute Overdose
Symptoms of an acute overdose of nelfinavir include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. If an overdose is suspected, medical attention should be sought immediately.
Contraindication
Patients with a known allergy to nelfinavir should not take this medication. This medication can also interact with certain drugs and medical conditions, and therefore patients should speak to their doctor before taking this medication.
Use Direction
Nefivir should be taken exactly as prescribed. The tablets should be taken with food twice daily, around the same time each day. It is important to take the medication consistently in order to maintain a steady level of the drug in the body. The medication should not be stopped without consulting a doctor.
Storage Condition
Nefivir should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. The tablets should be kept in their original container and out of reach of children.
Volume of Distribution
Nefivir has a volume of distribution of 50 L. This means that 50 liters of fluid (blood, plasma, and other body fluids) are needed to dissolve the drug in order to make it available for use by the body.
Half Life
Nefivir has a half-life of 4 to 5 hours. This means that it takes 4 to 5 hours for the drug to be reduced by one-half in the body.
Clearance
Nefivir has an estimated clearance rate of 0.07 L/hr/kg. This means that for every kilogram of body weight, the drug is cleared from the body at a rate of 0.07 L per hour.
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