Integrase inhibitors

Integrase inhibitors are a type of antiretroviral drug used in the treatment of HIV and AIDS. They work by blocking the action of an enzyme called integrase, which the virus uses to insert its genetic material into the DNA of the host cell. This prevents the virus from replicating and spreading to other cells.

Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]

Integrase inhibitors work by binding to the active site of the integrase enzyme, preventing it from performing its function. This stops the virus from integrating its genetic material into the host cell's DNA, effectively halting the replication process.

Types of Integrase Inhibitors[edit | edit source]

There are several types of integrase inhibitors currently in use, including:

Raltegravir (Isentress)
Elvitegravir (Vitekta)
Dolutegravir (Tivicay)
Bictegravir (Biktarvy)

Each of these drugs has a slightly different chemical structure and may have different side effects and drug interactions.

Side Effects[edit | edit source]

Like all medications, integrase inhibitors can cause side effects. These may include:

Nausea
Diarrhea
Headache
Fatigue
Insomnia

In rare cases, integrase inhibitors can cause severe side effects such as liver damage or severe skin reactions. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider immediately.

Drug Interactions[edit | edit source]

Integrase inhibitors can interact with other medications, including other antiretroviral drugs, certain antibiotics and antifungal medications, and some types of cholesterol-lowering drugs. Patients should always inform their healthcare provider of any other medications they are taking.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Integrase inhibitors Resources
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