Efavir 200 Mg

Efavir 200mg Capsule is an antiviral medicine which is used in combination with other medicines to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. This medicine is not a cure for HIV. It only prevents the virus from multiplying in your body. Close monitoring of liver function is necessary while receiving this medicine.

This Capsule is an antiretroviral medication, used for HIV prevention and treatment. This Capsule belongs to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) class of drugs. This Capsule is prescribed to adults and children that are at least 3 months old.

How To Efavir 200mg Work?

Efavir 200mg Capsule prevents the multiplication of HIV virus in human cells. This stops the HIV virus from producing new viruses.

How To Take Efavir 200mg Capsule?

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. This Capsule is to be taken empty stomach.

Mechanism Action Of Efavir 200mg?

Efavir 200mg Capsule (also known as Sustiva) contain efavirenz, a non-nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), which is only effective against RNA viruses (retroviruses) like Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

It works by inhibiting the action of the viral-specific enzyme reverse transcriptase (RT), which is needed for the virus to be able to replicate.  Retroviruses convert RNA to DNA, which is then integrated into the DNA of infected immune cells so that the virus can replicate.

Efavirenz in This Capsule acts by binding to a specific site on the RT enzyme and blocks its action in a manner that is noncompetitive with nucleosides (precursors to the building blocks of DNA and RNA), thereby preventing the conversion of viral RNA to DNA.

This action prevents the integration of virus into the DNA of the infected CD4+ immune cell, which inhibits the replication of HIV so that no more virus can be produced; and this reduces the viral load (amount of virus).

Efavir 200mg Capsule slow down the replication of HIV within your body but does not kill the virus already incorporated in the CD4+ cells or prevent the spread of the infection to others.

Side Effects of Efavir 200mg

• Rash,
• Headache,
• Dizziness,
• Decrease in granulocyte count,
• Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping),
• Sleepiness,
• Vomiting,
• Allergic reaction,
• Nausea,
• Abnormal dreams,
• Fatigue,
• Increased liver enzymes,
• Anxiety,
• Fever,
• Itching,
• Difficulty in paying attention,
• Increased triglyceride level in blood.

Warning of Efavir 200mg Capsule

Efavir 200mg Capsule is unsafe to use during pregnancy.

There is positive evidence of human fetal risk, but the benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk, for example in life-threatening situations. Please consult your doctor.

This Capsule should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of This Capsule may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

Use of This Capsule is not recommended in patients with moderate and severe liver disease.

This Capsule is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Efavir 200mg Capsule may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.

Efavir 200mg Capsule may make you feel dizzy, sleepy, tired, or decrease alertness. If this happens, do not drive.

Precaution of Efavir 200mg Capsule

Inform your doctor if you have a history of mental illness or convulsions (fits or seizures).

Ensure that efavirenz is always taken in combination with other anti-HIV medicines and never alone.

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs of dizziness, difficulty sleeping, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating or abnormal dreaming or any signs of skin rash or inflammation or infection.

Take the required precautions to prevent transmission as efavirenz does not prevent the spread of HIV virus to others through blood or sexual contact.

Do not drive if you have taken efavirenz as it may cause dizziness.

Do take if  allergic to efavirenz or any of its ingredients.

Do not take if sufferings  with severe liver disease.

Avoid if patient is Pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Uses of Efavir 200mg

Efavir 200mg Capsule is used in the treatment of HIV infection.

Storage of Efavir 200mg

Store it at controlled room temperature (15- 25° C).