Efavirenz Pharmacology

Efavirenz

About Efavirenz
Efavirenz is a non-nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor, Antiretroviral Agent.
Mechanism of Action of Efavirenz
Efavirenz noncompetitively binds to a site other than catalytic site in the HIV- 1 reverse transcriptase enzyme .This binding will results in a structural change in the enzyme and inhibits its activity i.e. conversion of viral RNA to pro viral DNA and subsequent virus replication

Pharmacokinets of Efavirenz
Absorption: It is absorbed after oral administration. Distribution: It is widely distributed in the body in protein bound form. Metabolism: It is metabolised in the liver to inactive metabolite. Excretion: The drug is primarily excreted through faeces and it is also excreted through urine.
Onset of Action for Efavirenz
3 - 5 hour
Duration of Action for Efavirenz
N/A
Half Life of Efavirenz
48 hour
Side Effects of Efavirenz
1.Rash
2.Stevens-Johnson syndrome
3.Dizziness
4.Headache
5.Insomnia
6.Hallucination
7.Diarrhoea
8.Anorexia
9.Impaired concentration
10.Dysphoria
Contra-indications of Efavirenz
Hypersensitivity to Efavirenz
Special Precautions while taking Efavirenz
1.Renal impairment
2.Hepatic impairment
3.Psychiatric patients
4.Patient with increased cholesterol level and serum transaminases level
Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution.
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated.
Children Related Information
Use with caution.
NEONATES: contraindicated
Indications for Efavirenz
HIV-1 infection
Interactions for Efavirenz
Grapefruit juice may affect plasma efavirenz concentration.
Antibacterials: Increased risk of rash with clarithromycin. Rifampicin reduces plasma concentration of efavirenz.
Antidepressants: Avoid concomitant use of St. John?s Wort (Hypericum perforatum - a long living plant with yellow flowers).
Antihistaminics: Increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias when used with terfenadine.
Other antivirals: Efavirenz reduces plasma concentration of amprenavir, indinavir and lipinavir. Efavirenz reduces plasma concentration of saquinavir.
Anxiolytics: Risk of prolonged sedation with Midazolam.
Oestrogen and Progestogens: Possibly reduced efficacy of oral contraceptives.
Typical Dosage for Efavirenz
Adults: 600mg once daily along with other antiretroviral agent.
Children:
Over 3 years(13-14kg body weight) : 200mg once daily;
15-19kg body weight: 250mg once daily;
20-24kg body weight: 300mg once daily;
25-32.4kg body weight: 350mg once daily;
32.5-39kg body weight: 400mg once daily;
above 40kg body weight:same as adult dose
Schedule of Efavirenz
H
Storage Requirements for Efavirenz
Store at 15 - 30 degree C in a tightly closed container. Protect away from heat and light. Keep out of the reach of children.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Efavirenz
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time to take the next dose then skip the missed dose
Effects of Overdose of Efavirenz
Give supportive measures and treatment. Activated charcoal can be given to reduce the absorption of the drug

Home Delivery for Efavirenz in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including efavirenz.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for efavirenz and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for efavirenz may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take efavirenz only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for efavirenz before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for efavirenz with the pharmacy.

Efavirenz is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for efavirenz might be better known than efavirenz itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have efavirenz in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for efavirenz.