What is Efavirenz Tablets?

Antiretroviral drugs, like Efavirenz Tablets, are used to treat HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infections.

Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are a type of drug that is part of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART).

Even though it’s not a fix for HIV, it does help keep the virus under control, which raises the quality of life and lowers the risk of spreading the virus and getting AIDS.

Overview

Description

Efavirenz stops the reverse transcriptase enzyme from doing its job.

This is an important protein that HIV needs to turn its RNA into DNA, which is a key step in the virus’s growth cycle.

Efavirenz stops HIV from multiplying by stopping this process. This lessens the count of viruses in the blood and promotes the immune system.

Most of the time, Efavirenz is given as part of a combination treatment to lower the risk of developing resistance.

Because resistance forms so quickly, monotherapy is not recommended.

Uses / Indications

Treatment of HIV-1 infection in people and children ≥3 years or ≥10 kg

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can be started or kept up.

It works to lower the amount of HIV in the body, boost the number of CD4+ T cells, and stop opportunistic infections.

Benefits

Effective suppression of viral replication, resulting in undetectable viral burden.

Increases CD4 levels, which helps to maintain and restore immunological function.

Delays the progression of AIDS and decreases the frequency of HIV-related morbidity.

Decreases the chance of HIV transmission when utilized consistently and rightly.

Enhances survival and quality of life in HIV-infected people.

Available in fixed-dose combinations that improve adherence and convenience.

Side Effects

How Does Efavirenz Work?

Efavirenz works by attaching itself to reverse transcriptase without competing with it.

HIV uses this enzyme to change its RNA into DNA. This stops the virus from joining with the host’s DNA, which stops the growth cycle.

NNRTIs, like Efavirenz, don’t need intracellular phosphorylation to work like nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs).

This makes their process work faster, but they can be more likely to cause resistance if they aren’t used with other drugs.

Dosage Guidelines & How to Take

Adults: 600 mg administered once daily

Schedule: At nighttime to reduce the central nervous system’s negative effects

With Food: On an empty stomach (one hour prior to or two hours after a meal) – food enhances absorption and central nervous system negative effects.

Form: Tablets must be ingested whole, without crushing or chewing.

When Not to Use

Efavirenz or any of its components are known to cause hypersensitivity.

The Child-Pugh classification for severe hepatic impairment is C.

Pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester, unless there are no comparable options available.

Co-administration with medications that should not be used together (see the following section)

Drug Interactions

Antifungals

Antiepileptics

Oral contraceptives

Warfarin

HCV antivirals

Antidepressants

Safety Advice

In pregnancy, use only when benefits outweigh hazards; avoid in the first trimester due to teratogenic risk (neural tube abnormalities documented).

Breastfeeding is not advised for moms with HIV to prevent postnatal transmission.

Avoid operating machinery or driving if you’re feeling lightheaded, sleepy, or having hallucinations.

Use cautious and keep an eye on your liver enzyme levels if you have liver disease.

Avoid alcohol since it may be harmful to the liver and central nervous system.

General Instructions

If you have central nervous system side effects, such as vertigo or vivid nightmares, while using Efavirenz, your healthcare provider will likely suggest taking it once daily before bed.

Due to the fact that food might enhance absorption and amplify negative effects, it is advised to take the tablet without food.

Always consume the medicine as prescribed. Avoid missing doses or stopping without consulting a health professional first.

This helps prevent resistance and treatment failure. To avoid dangerous interactions with your drugs or supplements, tell your doctor about everything you take.

Throughout treatment, it is crucial to regularly check lipid levels, viral load, and liver function.

Get medical aid right away if you experience serious reactions such as a rash, changes in mental health, or skin or eye yellowing.

Keep the tablets in a dry, cool spot that isn’t too hot or humid, and don’t let kids have them.

Lifestyle & Dietary Tips

To keep your medication levels stable, stay away from grapefruit and grapefruit juice.

Keep yourself well-hydrated and nourished to boost your immune system.

Decrease the chance of transmission by performing safer sexual behaviors. Refrain from using drugs and alcohol for fun.

Get aid for your mental health, certainly, if you’ve had an episode of anxiety or depression before.

Keep up with routine checkups and laboratory testing (viral load, cholesterol, liver enzymes)

Comparison with Other HIV Medications

Because of its lengthy clinical record and once-daily dosage, Efavirenz—a first-generation NNRTI—is efficacious and extensively used. Dolutegravir is a newer option.

It has fewer side effects on the central nervous system, like vertigo and vivid nightmares.

However, it brings a huge chance of drug interactions.

It can also cause teratogenic effects in early pregnancy, unlike Dolutegravir, which also carries early pregnancy risks, Efavirenz has documented teratogenicity and is avoided in the 1st trimester.

One such NNRTI that causes Rash and liver damage is nevirapine; however, it is typically better tolerated neurologically.

Precautions & Warnings

Patients who have a past episode of psychiatric disorder should be treated with carefulness.

A lipid profile and liver function test must be performed regularly

Cannabis test results can be falsely positive.

Individuals who have particular CYP2B6 polymorphisms may have a lower likelihood of benefiting from Efavirenz.

Due to the possibility of contraceptive failure, it is recommended to use dual methods of contraception.

Other Medications to Avoid

Cisapride, midazolam, triazolam – risk of prolonged sedation

St John’s Wort – reduces Efavirenz levels

Ergot alkaloids (ergotamine) – increased risk of toxicity

Rifabutin/rifampin – monitor levels

Methadone – levels may decrease; dose adjustment is needed

Storage

Maintain storage between 15°C and 30°C in a desiccated environment.

Avoid exposure to heat, humidity, and direct sunshine.

Maintain out of the reach of children and animals.

Avoid utilizing outdated or compromised medications.