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Nevirapine Nevirapine Nevirapine Oral
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ne-VYE-ra-peen   Audio

Brand Name: Viramune  Audio
Drug Class: Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
Nevirapine, also known as Viramune, is a type of medicine called a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). NNRTIs block reverse transcriptase, a protein that HIV needs to make more copies of itself.

HIV/AIDS-Related Uses
Nevirapine was approved by the FDA on June 21, 1996, for use with other antiretroviral agents in the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and children. It has also been used for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. This medicine does not cure HIV infection or AIDS and does not reduce the risk of passing the virus to other people.

Dosage Form/Administration
Nevirapine comes in tablet and oral suspension form and is taken by mouth.

Recommended Daily Dose
The recommended dose of nevirapine is 200 mg once a day for the first 14 days, then 200 mg twice a day. The recommended dose of nevirapine for children is based on age and body surface area (instead of weight). The total daily dose should not exceed 400 mg for any patient. Patients on dialysis should take a 200 mg tablet after each dialysis treatment.
Some individuals may benefit from different doses of nevirapine. Individuals should always take nevirapine as prescribed by their doctors.

Contraindications
Individuals should tell a doctor about any medical problems before taking this medicine.

Possible Side Effects
Along with its desired effects, nevirapine can cause some unwanted effects. Serious side effects of this medicine include severe skin rash, chills, fever, sore throat, or other flu-like symptoms. These symptoms may be signs of liver disease. Individuals should tell a doctor if they have any of these side effects. The manufacturer of nevirapine provides a medication guide to further explain the risks of liver disease.
Other side effects may not be serious and may lessen or disappear with continued use of the medicine. Less serious side effects of this medicine include stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, and headache. Individuals should tell a doctor if these side effects continue or are bothersome.

Drug and Food Interactions
A doctor should be notified of any other medications being taken, including prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter), or herbal medications.

Clinical Trials
Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Nevirapine.

Manufacturer Information
Nevirapine
  Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc
  900 Ridgebury Rd / PO Box 368
  Ridgefield,  CT  06877-0368
  (800) 542-6257
    

Viramune
  Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc
  900 Ridgebury Rd / PO Box 368
  Ridgefield,  CT  06877-0368
  (800) 542-6257
    
Updated June 30, 2008