Common Use

Sustiva is an antiviral medication used to treat immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or to prevent its development in individuals who have had sexual contact with HIV-infected patients, injections, or cuts while handling HIV-infected material. It belongs to the class of reverse transcriptase inhibitors and works by blocking the synthesis of viral DNA.

Dosage and Direction

• The recommended dose for adults is 600 mg taken once daily.
• For children: 13-15 kg: 200 mg; 15-20 kg: 250 mg; 20-25 kg: 300 mg; 25-32.5 kg: 350 mg; 32.5-40 kg: 400 mg
• Individuals with a body weight over 40 kg should take 600 mg of Sustiva.
• During the first two weeks, take the medication before bedtime.

Precautions

• Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney failure, alcohol or drug addiction, encephalopathy, high cholesterol or triglycerides, liver disease (including hepatitis B or C), or if you have previously taken delavirdine (Rescriptor) or nevirapine (Viramune) without therapeutic results.
• Use caution in children under 3 years of age or those weighing less than 13 kg.
• Use reliable contraception while taking Sustiva, as it may cause serious harm to an unborn baby.

Contraindications

Sustiva is not recommended for patients with hypersensitivity to the medication, breastfeeding women, or pregnant women.

Side Effects

Sustiva may cause serious psychiatric symptoms, including hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, severe depression, confusion, aggression, extreme fear, or unusual behavior. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

Drug Interactions

• Sustiva decreases blood concentrations and effects of indinavir (Crixivan) and saquinavir (Invirase).
• Concomitant use with alcohol may increase its effects on the central nervous system.
• Co-administration with astemizole and cisapride increases the risk of arrhythmia.
• Sustiva decreases the blood concentration of hormonal contraceptives and indinavir.
• Using Sustiva with ritonavir may increase drug side effects and hepatotoxicity.
• Avoid concomitant use with clarithromycin or saquinavir.
• Midazolam (Versed) and triazolam (Halcion) may increase sedative effects.
• Phenobarbital decreases blood concentrations of Sustiva.
• Co-administration with rifabutin or rifampin is not recommended.
• Do not take Sustiva with pimozide (Orap), cisapride (Propulsid), or ergot medicines such as ergotamine (Cafergot, Wigraine, Ergomar), dihydroergotamine, ergonovine (Ergotrate), or methylergonovine (Methergine).

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses. Resume your regular dosing schedule the next day.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include muscle twitching. Seek urgent medical attention in case of an overdose.

Storage

Store Sustiva at room temperature between 20-25°C (68-77°F). Keep it away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in a bathroom or places accessible to children.

Disclaimer

The information provided here is general and does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. It should not be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Always consult your healthcare provider or doctor for specific instructions. We disclaim any reliability of this information and are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or other damages resulting from its use or consequences of self-treatment.