EFAVIRENZ = EFV = EFZ oral

Prescription under medical supervision

Therapeutic action

– Antiretroviral, HIV-1 non nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor

Indications

– HIV-1 infection, in combination with other antiretroviral drugs

Forms and strengths

– 200 mg breakable tablet, 200 mg capsule and 200 mg and 600 mg tablets

Dosage

– The dose is given once daily at bedtime.
Child 3 years and over and adult:

Weight	Dose	Tablets or capsules
10 to < 14 kg	200 mg	1 tablet 200 mg or 1 capsule 200 mg
14 to < 25 kg	300 mg	1 tablet 200 mg + ½ tablet 200 mg
25 to < 40 kg	400 mg	2 tablets 200 mg or 2 capsules 200 mg
≥ 40 kg	600 mg	1 tablet 600 mg

Duration

– Depending on the efficacy and tolerance of efavirenz.

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

– Do not administer to children under 3 years.
– Avoid administration in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
– Avoid combination with drugs that prolong QT interval: amiodarone, chloroquine, co-artemether, fluconazole, haloperidol, hydroxyzine, mefloquine, moxifloxacin, ondansetron, pentamidine, quinine, etc.
– Administer with caution to patients with psychiatric disorders (or history of) or epilepsy.
– Do not combine with amodiaquine.
– May cause:
• neurological disorders (dizziness, insomnia, drowsiness, abnormal dreaming, impaired concentration, seizures);
• psychiatric disorders (severe depression, suicidal ideation);
• raised liver enzymes (ALAT);
• skin reactions, possibly severe (Stevens-Johnson syndrome).
– Efavirenz reduces the efficacy of oral contraceptives: use a non-hormonal contraception or injectable medroxyprogesterone or an oral contraceptive containing 50 micrograms ethinylestradiol per tablet.
– Pregnancy: no contra-indication

Remarks

– Storage: below 25 °C