Generic
Nelfinavir
2 brands available in the market
At a glance
Nelfinavir is an antiretroviral medicine used for HIV infection. It inhibits HIV protease enzyme to prevent production of new viruses.
Description
Nelfinavir is a selective, competitive, reversible HIV protease inhibitor. It inhibits HIV-1 protease preventing the cleavage of the gag-pol polyprotein resulting in the production of noninfectious virus.
Indications
- HIV infection (when antiretroviral therapy is warranted)
Therapeutic class
Drugs for HIV / Anti-retroviral Drugs
Pharmacological class
HIV Protease Inhibitor
Pharmacology
Nelfinavir inhibits HIV-1 protease enzyme to prevent cleavage of viral polyprotein, resulting in noninfectious virus particles.
Mechanism of action
Prevents production of new viruses by inhibiting HIV protease.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- 1250 mg (5 x 250 mg tablets) twice daily OR 750 mg (3 x 250 mg tablets) three times daily
- Take with a meal
Pediatric Dose (2-13 years): 20-30 mg/kg/dose three times daily with a meal
Administration
- Take with food
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush or break
- Take at the same time each day
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; skip if it's almost time for next dose; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects (>2%):
- Diarrhea (most common)
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea, vomiting
- Dyspepsia
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Rash
- Throat pain
- Increased liver enzymes
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Increased triglycerides
- Peripheral neuropathy
Precautions & warnings
- Take with food
- Complete full course of treatment
- Monitor liver function regularly
- Caution while driving (may cause dizziness or drowsiness)
- Increased bleeding risk in haemophilia patients
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Lactation
- Co-administration with CYP3A-dependent drugs (amiodarone, cisapride, pimozide, midazolam, triazolam, ergot alkaloids, lovastatin, simvastatin, quinidine)
Drug interactions
- Reduced levels/effects with antacids, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin, nevirapine
- Increased levels/effects with azole antifungals, cimetidine
- Increased levels/effects of azithromycin, calcium channel blockers, clarithromycin, corticosteroids, ciclosporin, sirolimus, tacrolimus, atorvastatin
- Reduced levels/effects of hormonal contraceptives, methadone
Food interactions
Take with food for increased absorption.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Nelfinavir is safe during pregnancy (Category B); animal studies show low or no adverse effects.
Pregnancy Category: B — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Nelfinavir is probably safe during breastfeeding; however, HIV-infected women are advised not to breastfeed.
Pediatric use
Safety, effectiveness and pharmacokinetics not evaluated in children under 2 years.
Geriatric use
Elderly may require dose adjustment.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Safe in kidney disease; no dose adjustment needed.
Hepatic Impairment: Not recommended in moderate and severe liver disease; caution.
Overdose effects
Limited information on overdose; symptomatic treatment.
Storage conditions
Store at 15-30°C.
Chemical structure
Nelfinavir