This is a brief summary of currently-available drugs and excerpts of guidelines for use. Refer to full prescribing information for side effects, drug interactions, and other essentials. 800 mg q 8 hours on empty stomach with water.
Drug requires acid environment to absorb.
Food greatly inhibits absorption. Prior to starting antiretroviral therapy , the patient must be assessed for ability to understand and willingness to commit to a complex, expensive regimen with potential side effects. Effective antiretroviral regimens for patients without prior therapy are those that reduce and maintain viral load below levels of detection, and the regimen must be strictly followed. If the patient has a low risk of progression, that is, a high CD4 count and low HIV RNA level, therapy may be deferred if patient is followed every 3-6 months for progression. The goal of an undetectable virus load may not be achievable in all patients, especially later in disease.