Antiviral drug

Name of drug

Efavirenz (Sustiva)

Indications

Efavirenz is a drug used for the treatmet of infections with human immunedeficiency virus

Mechanism of action

Efavirenz is a subclass of reverse transcriptase inhibitors which directly inhibits the activity of reverse transcriptase and blocks the production of DNA and new viruses

Side effects

Hallucinations

Dizzness

Loss of contraction

Drowsiness

Nausea and vomiting

Contraindications

Breastfeeding: HIV infected mothers should not take efavirenz because of high risk of transmitting HIV to an infant that is not infected

Pregnancy: causes birth defects if taken in the first trimester

Route of administration

Efavirenz is administered orally

Storage

Do not store in bathroom

Stored in at room temperature of 15 to 30 degrees Celcius

Store out of reach of children