Antiretroviral agents: the next generation

AIDS Clin Care. 1998 May;10(5):33-6, 39-40.

Abstract

AIDS: Four new drugs have been developed to overcome the limitations of the currently available anti-HIV drugs, including inconvenient schedules, side effects, and drug interactions. It is hoped that abacavir, efavirenz, adefovir dipivoxil, and amprenavir will be widely available in the near future. Abacavir, a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor with a twice-daily schedule, offers good bioavailability and generally mild side effects. Efavirenz, a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor with a once daily schedule, may produce side effects such as rash and dizziness. Adefovir dipivoxil, a nucleotide analog with once daily dosing, can cause carnitine depletion and carnitine supplementation is recommended. Amprenavir, a protease inhibitor with twice-daily dosing, has rather mild side effects. Information on efficacy, availability, and resistance for each of these drugs is given.

Publication types

  • Newspaper Article

MeSH terms

  • Anti-HIV Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-HIV Agents / supply & distribution
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Biological Availability
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Resistance, Microbial
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Protease Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • HIV Protease Inhibitors / supply & distribution
  • HIV Protease Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors / supply & distribution
  • Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • HIV Protease Inhibitors
  • Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors