Viramune

What is it?

An anti-HIV drug which is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor available as oblong, scored, white tablets containing 200mg of nevirapine anhydrite marked with logo and 54 and 193. Also, VIRAMUNE SUSPENSION, a solution in an oral- dose syringe containing 50mg of nevirapine as hemihydrate per 5ml.

Medical Uses

In patients with progressive and/or advanced immunodeficiency, in combination with antiretrovirals to treat HIV infection.

Dosage

Adults and children aged over 16 years, 1 tablet or 20ml of solution each day for first 2 weeks then ltablet or 20ml twice daily, along with 2 or more other retrovirals which the patient has not taken previously. Children, oral solution only, aged 2 months to 8 years, 4mg per kg of body weight once each day for 2 weeks then 7mg per kg daily; aged 8 to 16 years, 4mg per kg of body weight once each day for 2 weeks then 4mg per kg twice daily to a maximum dose of 400mg each day.

Special Care

Impaired liver or kidney function; blood tests and monitoring of liver function must be performed. Drug should be withdrawn if severe rash or fever and rash, seriously impaired liver function, pains in muscles and joints, lesions in mouth, blisters, malaise or conjunctivitis occur.

Avoid Use

Infants aged under 2 months, pregnancy, breastfeeding, liver or kidney failure.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Rifampicin, protease inhibitors, ciinetidine, rifabutin, oral contraceptives, macrolides, ketoconazole.

Known Side Effects

Gastrointestinal upset, rash, muscle pain, sleepiness, headaches, fever, pain in abdomen, jaundice, hepatitis, other abnormal liver functions. Any adverse side effects should be reported to the Committee on the Safety of Medicines (CSM).