Drug Interactions Newsletter

Volume 2, Issue 14, 04/06/2010

Question

What is the only non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) used in the treatment of HIV infection that is known to be an inhibitor of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4?

Answer

Most non-infectious disease trained healthcare professionals know that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients being treated with antiretroviral therapy are known to be at greater risk for having clinically relevant drug-drug interactions.  It is also widely accepted that not only are the number of potential drug interactions significant, but the mechanisms by which they occur are also complex and may be difficult to predict.  As such, it is important for clinicians to be aware of the more obvious drug interactions within various subcategories of antiretrovirals.  

While many antiretrovirals, such as the protease inhibitors, are known to be inhibitors of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) are generally known to be...

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