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Last updated: November 2022
Therapeutic action
- Antiretroviral, HIV-1 non nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor
Indications
- HIV-1 infection, in combination with other antiretrovirals
Forms and strengths
- 200 mg breakable tablet, 200 mg capsule and 600 mg tablet
Dosage
The daily dose is administered once daily at bedtime, on an empty stomach.
- Child 3 years and over and adult:
| Weight | Daily dose | Tablets or capsules |
|---|---|---|
| 10 to < 14 kg | 200 mg |
1 tab 200 mg or 1 cap 200 mg |
| 14 to < 25 kg | 300 mg | 1 tab 200 mg + ½ tab 200 mg |
| 25 to < 35 kg | 400 mg |
2 tab 200 mg or 2 cap 200 mg |
| ≥ 35 kg |
400 mg or 600 mg |
2 tab 200 mg or 2 cap 200 mg or 1 tab 600 mg |
Duration
- Depending on the efficacy and tolerance of efavirenz.
Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions
- Do not administer to children under 3 years and to patients with severe hepatic impairment.
- Do not combine with amodiaquine (risk of hepatotoxicity).
- Administer with caution to patients with psychiatric disorders (or history of) or epilepsy.
- Administer with caution and monitor combination with:
- central nervous system depressants (opioids, benzodiazepines, phenobarbital, etc.), carbamazepine, phenytoin, oral anticoagulants;
- QT prolonging drugs (amiodarone, co-artemether, mefloquine, quinine, haloperidol, etc.).
- May cause:
- neuropsychiatric disorders: dizziness, headache, insomnia, drowsiness, abnormal dreaming, anxiety, aggressive behaviour, impaired concentration, seizures, depression, suicidal ideation;
- hepatotoxicity and gastrointestinal disturbances;
- skin reactions, possibly severe (Stevens-Johnson syndrome).
- Efavirenz reduces the efficacy of implants and oral contraceptives: use injectable medroxyprogesterone or an intrauterine device.
- Pregnancy: no contra-indication
Remarks
- Capsules can be opened and their content mixed into a spoon with a small amount of food.
- Also comes in fixed-dose combinations (tenofovir/emtricitabine/efavirenz or tenofovir/lamivudine/efavirenz). Preferably use these formulations when available.
Storage
–
– Below 25 °C
