Protease Inhibitors

Abstract

Antiretroviral drugs are classified by the viral life cycle they inhibit and, in some cases, by their chemical structure. There are currently five classes of antiretroviral drugs: nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI), protease inhibitors (PI), integrase inhibitors, and entry inhibitors. Although grouped in classes, these medications have unique side effect profiles, drug–drug interactions, and potency. All currently recommended treatment regiments consist of a backbone of two NRTIs and a third antiretroviral drug, typically a NNRTI, a ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor, or an integrase inhibitor. It is important for care providers of HIV-infected patients with psychiatric or substance abuse disorders to recognize the potential interactions between psychotropic and antiretroviral medications, especially with respect to protease inhibitors.