Common use

Efavirenz is an antiviral medication to treat immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or to prevent its development in the individuals who had sexual contacts with HIV-infected patients, injections and cuts while work with HIV-infected material. It belongs to the class of reverse transcriptase inhibitors and blocks synthesis of a viral DNA.



Dosage and direction

The recommended dose for adults is 600 mg taken once daily. The daily dose for children with weight of 13-15 kg is 200 mg, for ones with 5-20 kg is 250 mg, for ones with 20-25 kg is 300 mg, for ones with 25?32,5 kg is 350 mg, for ones with 32,5?40 kg is 400 mg. Individuals with body weight over 40 kg should take 600 mg of Efavirenz. First two weeks take the medication before your bedtime.



Precautions

Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney failure, alcohol or drug addicted, encephalopathy, high cholesterol or triglycerides, liver disease (including hepatitis B or C), if you have ever taken delavirdine (Rescriptor) or nevirapine (Viramune) without any therapeutic result. Cautiousness should be exercised in children under 3 years of age, and children with body weight under 13 kg. Use reliable contraception while you are on Efavirenz as this medication may cause serious harm to an unborn baby.



Contraindications

This medication cannot be used in the patients with hypersensitivity to it, breastfeeding and pregnant women.



Side effects

This medication may cause serious psychiatric symptoms which you should inform immediately to your doctor. These may include hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, severe depression, confusion, aggression, extreme fear, or unusual behavior.



Drug interaction

Efavirenz decreases blood concentrations and effects of indinavir (Crixivan) and saquinavir (Invirase). Concomitant use with alcohol may increase influence of Efavirenz on the central nervous system. Co-administration with Astemizol and tsizaprid increases risk of arrhythmia. Efavirenz also decreases blood concentration of hormonal contraceptives and Indinavir. If Efavirenz is used together with Ritonavir it leads to increase in side effects of the drug and hepatotoxicity. Concomitant use of Efavirenz with Clarithromycin or Saquinavir should be avoided. Midazolam (Versed) and triazolam (Halcion) increase sedative effects of the drug. Phenobarbital decreases blood concentrations of Efavirenz. Co-administration with rifabutin, rifampin is not recommended.

Do not take Efavirenz with pimozide (Orap), cisapride (Propulsid), or ergot medicines such as ergotamine (Cafergot, Wigraine, Ergomar), dihydroergotamine, ergonovine (Ergotrate), or methylergonovine (Methergine).



Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or time for your next dose is in a short while. Do not take double doses of this medication or extra doses of it. Take your usually dose next day in the same regularly time.



Overdose

Symptoms may include muscle twitching. In case of overdose seek urgent medical attention.



Storage

Store at room temperature between 20-25 C (68-77 F). Store away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. It is not recommended to store in a bathroom and places available for children.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.