NRTI

Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs) are a type of antiretroviral drug used to treat HIV/AIDS. They work by inhibiting the action of reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that HIV uses to replicate its genetic material.

Mechanism of Action

NRTIs are analogues of the building blocks of DNA. They are incorporated into the growing DNA chain during replication. Once an NRTI is incorporated, the DNA chain is terminated, preventing further replication.

Types of NRTIs

There are several types of NRTIs, including:

• Zidovudine (AZT)
• Didanosine (ddI)
• Zalcitabine (ddC)
• Stavudine (d4T)
• Lamivudine (3TC)
• Abacavir (ABC)
• Emtricitabine (FTC)
• Tenofovir disoproxil (TDF)
• Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF)

Side Effects

Like all medications, NRTIs can cause side effects. These can include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Lactic acidosis
• Lipodystrophy
• Hepatomegaly with steatosis

Drug Interactions

NRTIs can interact with other medications, including other antiretroviral drugs. It's important to discuss all medications and supplements with a healthcare provider before starting an NRTI.

Resistance

HIV can develop resistance to NRTIs, which can make the drugs less effective. Resistance testing is recommended before starting treatment to determine which drugs are likely to be effective.

See Also

• Antiretroviral drug
• Reverse transcriptase
• HIV/AIDS

NRTI Resources
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