Nelfinavir

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia


Information about Nelfinavir[edit source]

Nelfinavir is an antiretroviral protease inhibitor used in the therapy and prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).


Liver safety of Nelfinavir[edit source]

Nelfinavir can cause transient and usually asymptomatic elevations in serum aminotransferase levels and is a rare cause of clinically apparent, acute liver injury. In HBV or HCV coinfected patients, hepatic injury during antiretroviral therapy that includes nelfinavir may be a result of exacerbation of the underlying chronic hepatitis B or C, rather than a direct effect of the medication.

Mechanism of action of Nelfinavir[edit source]

Nelfinavir (nel fin' a vir) is a nonpeptidic protease inhibitor that acts by binding to the catalytic site of the HIV protease, thereby preventing the cleavage of viral polyprotein precursors into mature, functional proteins that are necessary for viral replication.

Nelfinavir was approved for use in the United States in 1997 for the therapy of HIV infection in both adults and children. Nelfinavir is available in tablets of 250 and 625 mg and as an oral suspension powder under the brand name Viracept.

Dosage and administration for Nelfinavir[edit source]

The recommended dosage of nelfinavir for adults is 1250 mg twice or 750 mg three times daily.

Side effects of Nelfinavir[edit source]

Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, gastrointestinal upset, 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

Nelfinavir Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD