Nelfinavir Mesylate
Antiviral, Systemic · Protease inhibitor
Indications
HIV infection in combination with other antiretroviral drugs.
Dosage
Adults: 1.25 gm twice daily or 750 mg 3 times daily. Children: 3-13 yr, initially 50-55 mg/kg twice daily (max 1.25 gm twice daily) or 25-30 mg/kg 3 times daily (max 750 mg 3 times daily).
Adverse Effects
Gastro-intestinal disturbances (including diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence), anorexia, hepatic dysfunction, pancreatitis; blood disorders including anaemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, sleep disturbances, fatigue, headache, dizziness, paraesthesia, myalgia, myositis, rhabdomyolysis; taste disturbances; rash, pruritus, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis; lipodystrophy syndrome and osteonecrosis.
Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)
Pregnancy: No evidence of risk in humans. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Should not be given to patients with acute porphyria. Precautions: Patients with hyperglycaemia, patients with haemophilia, patients with hepatic impairment, patients with chronic hepatitis B or C.
Interactions
See literature.
Advice to Patient
Take with meals. Mix powder with non-acidic, non-citric fluids and reconstituted powder mixture should not be stored for more than 6 hours. If it is difficult for you to swallow whole tablet, dissolve it in water or add it in food and crush it. Take mixed or dissolved tablet within 6 hours. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is time for the next dose. Do not take double dose. Contact prescriber if there is difficulty in breathing, rash, suicidal thoughts, confusion, migraine, weakness, muscle pain, skeletal pain, tremors. If therapy is for a long period of time, frequent blood tests are required.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Absorbed from the GI tract. Metabolism: Hepatic. Half-life elimination: Children >13 yrs: 3.5-5 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: 2-4 hrs. Excretion: Faeces (mainly). Urine (1%-2%).
Brands with this active ingredient
Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →
Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.