NELFINAVER-antiviral drug

INTRODUCTION
A potent HIV-1 protease inhibitor. It is used in combination with other antiviral drugs in the treatment of HIV in both adults and children.

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTION
Used in combination with other antiviral drugs in the treatment of HIV in both adults and children. Nelfinavir is a protease inhibitor with activity against Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1). Protease inhibitors block the part of HIV called protease. HIV-1 protease is an enzyme required for the proteolytic cleavage of the viral polyprotein precursors into the individual functional proteins found in infectious HIV-1. Nelfinavir binds to the protease active site and inhibits the activity of the enzyme. This inhibition prevents cleavage of the viral polyproteins resulting in the formation of immature non-infectious viral particles. Protease inhibitors are almost always used in combination with at least two other anti-HIV drugs.

USES
It inhibits maturation and export of the Herpes Simplex 1 virus and Kaposi’s Sarcoma virus.
It can be used as potent anticancerous drug.

SIDE EFFECTS
Ulcer
Fatigue
Mouth ulcer
Hepatitis

DRUG DRUG INTERACTIONS
Alfuzosine + Nelfinavir = the serum concentration of alfuzosine can be reduce.
Alprazolam + Nelfinavir = the serum concentration of alprazolam can be reduce

REFERENCE:
Tripathi K.D,"Essentials of medical pharmacology",7th edition,page no 798,809,810,814