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Pronunciation

ri-TOE-na-veer

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: antiretrovirals

Pharmacologic Classification: protease inhibitors

Indications

REMS


Action

  • Inhibits the action of HIV protease and prevents the cleavage of viral polyproteins.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Increased CD4 cell counts and decreased viral load with subsequent slowed progression of HIV infection and its sequelae.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Appears to be well absorbed after oral administration.

Distribution: Poor CNS penetration.

Protein Binding: 98–99%.

Metabolism/Excretion: Primarily metabolized in the liver by the CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 isoenzymes; one metabolite has antiretroviral activity; 3.5% excreted unchanged in urine.

Half-Life: 3–5 hr.

Time/Action Profile

(plasma concentrations)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
POrapid4 hr*12 hr



*Nonfasting.

Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

CV: heart block, orthostatic hypotension, PR interval prolongation, syncope

Derm: rash, skin eruptions, STEVENS-JOHNSON SYNDROME (SJS), sweating, TOXIC EPIDERMAL NECROLYSIS (TEN), urticaria

EENT: pharyngitis, throat irritation

Endo: hyperglycemia

F and E: dehydration

GI: abdominal pain, altered taste, anorexia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dyspepsia, flatulence

GU: renal impairment

Metab: fat redistribution, hyperlipidemia

MS: creatine kinase, myalgia

Neuro: abnormal thinking, weakness, dizziness, headache, malaise, paresthesia, SEIZURES, somnolence

Resp: bronchospasm

Misc: fever, HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS (INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS AND ANGIOEDEMA), immune reconstitution syndrome

Interactions

Drug-drug:

Drug-Natural Products:

Route/Dosage

Availability

(Generic available)

Assessment

Lab Test Considerations:

Implementation

Patient/Family Teaching

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

US Brand Names

Norvir

Code

NDC Code