Management of antiretroviral drug therapy in human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Management of antiretroviral drug therapy in human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci. 1994;31(2):169-96. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/95000289
Stretcher B; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of; Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio 45267-0714.

Abstract: Nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors, including zidovudine, didanosine, and zalcitabine, remain the cornerstone of therapy against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, the cause of AIDS. Although therapeutic regimens have been designed that are effective in slowing the progression of disease, therapy with these agents has not been optimized. Ultimately, therapy is destined to fail in most patients. Decisions regarding when to begin therapy and the course of action to take when failure of therapy occurs are largely in the hands of the patient's physician, and currently must be made without the support of conclusive clinical data. In addition to an understanding of the recommended dosing guidelines, proper management of AIDS therapy requires a fundamental knowledge of the disease process, the pharmacology and limitations of the agents employed against the virus, and close cooperation with the clinical laboratory. Therefore, this article reviews the pharmacology of the three drugs currently approved for treatment of HIV infection, and the current guidelines for their use. The article also reviews the clinical and laboratory management of these agents, including the use of surrogate markers and the potential for pharmacokinetic optimization of therapy.

Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*DRUG THERAPY Didanosine/ADMINISTRATION & DOSAGE/PHARMACOKINETICS/*THERAPEUTIC USE Human HIV-1/DRUG EFFECTS Retroviridae Infections/*DRUG THERAPY Zalcitabine/ADMINISTRATION & DOSAGE/PHARMACOKINETICS/*THERAPEUTIC USE Zidovudine/ADMINISTRATION & DOSAGE/PHARMACOKINETICS/*THERAPEUTIC USE JOURNAL ARTICLE REVIEW REVIEW, TUTORIAL
950130
M9510859

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1995. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1995. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .