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

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

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

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

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

• Antiretroviral therapy
• HIV/AIDS
• Enzyme inhibitor

Integrase inhibitors Resources
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