Drugs for HIV infection

Article Abstract:

In addition to zidovudine, previously called azidothymidine (AZT), another agent called dideoxyinosine (DDI) has recently become available for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Zidovudine, DDI, and dideoxycytidine (DDC), a new drug being tested for the treatment of HIV infection, are converted to 5'-triphosphates, which interfere with the production of viral deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the genetic material of the virus. Studies have revealed that zidovudine prolongs survival and decreases the incidence of infections in patients with AIDS or AIDS-related complex (ARC). Zidovudine also delays the progression of the disease in HIV-infected patients or patients with abnormally low numbers CD4 lymphocytes, a type of immune cell. Problems associated with zidovudine therapy include its inconvenient dosage schedule and high cost; it also causes several adverse effects including bone marrow toxicity and the emergence of resistant strains of HIV. Drug studies have shown that DDI improves immune function, decreases viremia or viruses in the blood, and relieves symptoms in patients with AIDS and ARC. It is not as toxic to bone marrow as zidovudine but causes other adverse reactions, including pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, and peripheral nerve disease. DDC is more effective against HIV infection than DDI, but causes severe peripheral nerve toxicity. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Didanosine, Zalcitabine

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Drugs for AIDS and associated infections

Article Abstract:

Updated treatment recommendations for AIDS-related infections have emerged from the results of recent clinical studies. Currently available drug treatment can improve the immune status of HIV-infected patients without offering a cure. Zidovudine has been effective in slowing AIDS progression but drug resistance may develop. Sometimes combined with zidovudine, the use of ddl, ddC, stavudine, and lamivudine is recommended for patients who fail to respond to zidovudine therapy alone. Protease inhibitors, a new type of drugs, have shown some promise during preliminary testing. Drugs for other AIDS-related infections include trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for Pneumocystis carinii, pyrimethamine plus sulfadiazine for toxoplasmosis, and acyclovir for herpes simplex virus.

Physiological aspects, Protease inhibitors

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Three new drugs for HIV infection

Article Abstract:

Three drugs are being used to treat HIV infection although the FDA has approved only one. The drugs are abacavir (Ziagen), adefovir (Preveon) and efavirenz (Sustiva). As of December, 1998, only efavirenz had been approved by the FDA. Abacavir and adefovir are both nucleotide reverse transciptase inhibitors, whereas efavirenz is a non-nucleoside reverse transciptase inhibitor. The use of these drugs may allow patients to avoid taking a protease inhibitor or taking many different pills each day.

Product/Service Evaluation, Antiviral agents, Ziagen (Medication), Preveon (Medication), Sustiva (Medication)

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