Amprenavir

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

Information about Amprenavir[edit source]

Amprenavir is an antiretroviral protease inhibitor used in the therapy and prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Fosamprenavir is a prodrug of amprenavir that has better oral bioavailability and that has largely replaced amprenavir in clinical use.


Liver safety of Amprenavir[edit source]

Both amprenavir and fosamprenavir can cause transient and usually asymptomatic elevations in serum aminotransferase levels and are rare causes of clinically apparent, acute liver injury. In coinfected patients, hepatic injury during highly active antiretroviral therapy may be a result of exacerbation of the underlying chronic hepatitis B or C rather than a direct toxic effect of the medication.

Mechanism of action of Amprenavir[edit source]

Amprenavir (am pren' a vir) is sulfonamide nonpeptide HIV protease inhibitor that acts by binding to the catalytic site of the viral protease, thereby preventing the cleavage of HIV polyprotein precursors into mature, functional proteins that are necessary for viral replication. Fosamprenavir (fos" am pren' a vir) is a phosphonooxy prodrug of amprenavir which is more water soluble and has greater bioavailability than amprenavir. Fosamprenavir is rapidly converted to amprenavir in the intestinal mucosa.

FDA approval information for Amprenavir[edit source]

Amprenavir was approved for use in the United States in 1999 and fosamprenavir in 2003 for the therapy of HIV infection in adults and children in combination with other antiretroviral agents. Amprenavir was previously available in capsules of 50 mg under the brand name Agenerase. The pill burden of amprenavir therapy made fosamprenavir preferable and amprenavir is no longer availble in the United States.

Dosage and administration for Amprenavir[edit source]

Fosamprenavir is available in tablets of 700 mg and in a liquid solution for pediatric use (50 mg/mL) under the brand name Lexiva. Both agents are typically used in combination with low "booster" doses of ritonavir (100 or 200 mg daily). The recommended dose of fosamprenavir is 1400 mg twice daily when given without ritonavir or 1400 mg once daily when given with ritonavir. The dose in children is weight based.

Side effects of Amprenavir[edit source]

Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, gastrointestinal upset, headache, fatigue and, with long term use, hyperlipidemia and lipodystrophy.

Antiviral agents[edit source]

Drugs for HIV Infection, in the Subclass Antiretroviral Agents

Drugs for Hepatitis B

Drugs for Hepatitis C

HCV NS5A Inhibitors

HCV NS5B (Polymerase) Inhibitors

HCV Protease Inhibitors

Combination Therapies

Drugs for Herpes Virus Infections (HSV, CMV, others)

Drugs for Influenza

Amprenavir Resources

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD