Pharmacokinetics of nelfinavir during haemodialysis in a patient with HIV infection

A review of nelfinavir for the treatment of HIV infection

Nelfinavir (NFV) is a protease inhibitor that has been widely used for several years for the treatment of HIV infection. This has led to extensive experience with NFV-containing regimens, in which the drug has shown prolonged viral suppression, good tolerability and a unique resistance profile. In recent years, several antiretroviral drugs with some advantages over NFV have been developed. Nevertheless, NFV has favourable characteristics that make it a suitable antiretroviral compound for many HIV-infected patients. It can be used in patients who do not tolerate ritonavir even at low doses, and it is well tolerated in pregnant women, has a low-grade interaction with methadone and may be well tolerated in hepatitis C virus-co-infected patients. In addition, its new simplified posology may contribute to improved adherence.

Highly active antiretroviral therapy and the kidney: an update on antiretroviral medications for nephrologists

Highly active antiretroviral therapy has dramatically altered the treatment and life expectancy of individuals who are infected with HIV. More than 20 antiretroviral drugs and drug combinations now are available in the United States. Nephrologists need to have an understanding of the pharmacokinetics of antiretroviral medications and the proper dosing of these medications in patients with impaired kidney function. It is also important for nephrologists to be aware of drug-drug interactions that can occur between antiretroviral medications and other medications that they may prescribe, including immunosuppressive medications that are used for renal transplantation, as this becomes more common in HIV-infected patients. Adverse reactions that affect the kidneys and cause fluid-electrolyte complications occur with certain antiretroviral agents, although most are relatively free of nephrotoxicity. This article reviews the clinical pharmacology and dosing modifications of the newer antiretroviral medications in patients with reduced kidney function; important drug-drug interactions involving these medications, particularly with other medications that are likely to be prescribed by nephrologists; and renal toxicities of antiretroviral agents.

Use of highly active antiretroviral therapy in patients with renal insufficiency

Antiretroviral agents, especially nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, require significant dosage adjustments in patients who have renal dysfunction and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Some antiretroviral agents and fixed combination preparations are contraindicated in this population. In addition, many preferred antiretroviral regimens may be difficult to administer conveniently in patients with decreased creatinine clearance or in those receiving renal replacement therapies. Some highly active antiretroviral therapy regimens, however, can be used conveniently in patients with HIV and altered renal function.