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General Medication Fact Sheet for Viramune
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Viramune |
| Generic Name | Nevirapine |
| Boxed/Label Warning | Severe, life-threatening, and in some cases fatal hepatotoxicity and skin reactions have occurred. Monitor liver function closely. |
| Purpose | Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) used to treat HIV-1 infection |
| Mechanism of Action | Binds directly to reverse transcriptase, blocking RNA-dependent and DNA-dependent DNA polymerase activities |
| Dosage Forms | Oral tablets, oral suspension |
| Available Strengths | 200 mg tablets, 50 mg/5 mL suspension |
| Dosage Frequency | Once daily for the first 14 days, then twice daily if no rash occurs |
| Common Side Effects | Rash, nausea, fatigue, headache |
| Serious Side Effects | Severe rash (Stevens-Johnson syndrome), liver damage (hepatotoxicity), allergic reactions |
| Drug Interactions | Many, including hormonal contraceptives, rifampin, ketoconazole, St. John’s Wort, and some other antiretrovirals. Consult a healthcare provider. |
| Important Notes | Monitor liver function regularly, especially during the first 18 weeks of therapy. Do not use if you have moderate or severe liver impairment. Discontinue if severe rash develops. |
| Storage | Store tablets at room temperature away from moisture and light. Store oral suspension as directed by the packaging. |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember; if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Efavirenz, Rilpivirine, Doravirine, Etravirine |
Viramune Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Efavirenz (Sustiva) | Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) | Another NNRTI, often used in combination regimens. |
| Rilpivirine (Edurant) | Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) | NNRTI that must be taken with a meal. |
| Doravirine (Pifeltro) | Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) | Newer NNRTI, often used in single-tablet regimens. |
| Etravirine (Intelence) | Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) | NNRTI used for treatment-experienced patients. |
Viramune Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Rash | Severe rash (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis) |
| Nausea | Liver damage (hepatotoxicity, liver failure) |
| Fatigue | Allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) |
| Headache | Increased liver enzymes |
| Abdominal pain | Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes) |
Viramune Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIV-1 Infection (Adults) | 200 mg once daily for 14 days | 200 mg twice daily | If rash occurs during the initial 14 days, do not increase the dose until rash resolves. |
| HIV-1 Infection (Children) | Based on body weight; consult a healthcare provider. | Based on body weight; consult a healthcare provider. | Dosage must be carefully calculated based on the child’s weight and age. |
