Drug Dosing Tool: Sustiva (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)

Sustiva (efavirenz)

Type of Drug: Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor

Nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors prevent HIV from using an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to make copies of itself. These drugs are also known as NNRTIs, nonnucleosides or "nonnukes."

Approved adult dosing

one 600 mg tablet, once a day at bedtime

Daily, at bedtime
Sustiva 600 mg

three 200 mg capsules, once a day at bedtime

Daily, at bedtime
Sustiva 200 mg

Notes on taking this medication

Take at bedtime
Take on an empty stomach
Sustiva interacts with many other drugs; persons using Sustiva with those drugs may need an adjustment to their dose of the other drugs; consult your medical provider

Side effects

Sleep disturbances, such as vivid dreams (improves over the first several weeks); dizziness; drowsiness; mood disturbances
Difficulty with concentration
Rash
Do not take during pregnancy; may cause birth defects

See accompanying chart: Tips for Common Side Effects

My doctor's instructions

Disclaimer:

This information is not meant to substitute for advice from your medical provider or pharmacist. If you have any questions about your medication dosing, talk to your medical provider or pharmacist.

Drug Dosing Toolkit