How Do HIV NNRTIs Work?

HIV nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are a class of antiretroviral drugs mainly used to treat HIV infection.

In viral replication, the step where the RNA of the virus gets converted into DNA is also known as reverse transcription. Reverse transcriptase is an HIV enzyme that helps the virus to convert its RNA into DNA.

NNRTIs bind to the reverse transcriptase enzyme and cause it to undergo a structural change. As a result, the active site of the enzyme gets modified, thereby limiting its activity. It prevents reverse transcription and further replication of HIV.

NNRTIs are indicated with other HIV drugs to treat HIV infection.

HIV NNRTIs are overall safe, causing fewer side effects, including:

• Rash
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness

Severe side effects may include:

• Severe skin and hypersensitivity reactions
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• Toxic epidermal necrolysis

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of HIV NNRTIs include:

• Cabenuva
• Cabotegravir/Rilpivirine
• Delavirdine
• Dolutegravir/Rilpivirine
• Doravirine
• Edurant
• Efavirenz
• Etravirine
• Intelence
• Juluca
• Nevirapine
• NVP
• Pifeltro
• Rescriptor
• Rilpivirine
• Sustiva
• Viramune
• Viramune XR