Amprenavir

Amprenavir Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Amprenavir is a brand name. Its generic name is Amprenavir.

Amprenavir Introduction

Amprenavir (Amp-PR-en-a-vir) is a medicine that is used to treat people living with HIV-1 (Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1). Amprenavir is used in combination with other antiviral medications in order to slow the rate at which HIV can cause damage to the immune system, and to reduce the viral load in the body. It is available in capsules and oral solution form and is usually taken twice daily.

Uses For

Amprenavir is used in combination with other antiviral medications to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and children four years of age and older. It is also used to prevent HIV infection in certain high-risk patients.

Mechanism Of Action

Amprenavir belongs to a class of medications called protease inhibitors. It works by blocking certain enzymes (i.e., proteases) needed by the HIV virus to make copies of itself. By blocking these enzymes, Amprenavir prevents the replication of the virus, thereby slowing down the progression of the HIV infection.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

Amprenavir begins to work within 2-3 days of beginning therapy. It may take several weeks for the effects to be felt. Most HIV infections require the use of multiple drugs in order to be fully suppressed.

Absorption

Amprenavir is absorbed quickly after being taken orally and is metabolized in the liver and kidneys. Peak drug levels occur approximately two hours after ingestion.

Route Of Elimination

Amprenavir is eliminated through the kidneys and primarily in the feces.

Dosage

The usual recommended dose is 600 mg orally every 12 hours with food. The dose may be adjusted for patients who have kidney or liver impairment. The dose should not exceed 1200 mg per day.

Administration

Amprenavir should be taken with food. It should be taken regularly at the same time every day as prescribed by your doctor. Do not miss doses or change the time in-between dosages without consulting your healthcare provider.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Amprenavir are: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, flushing, rash, alterations in taste, and fever. Other less common side effects can include jaundice, pancreatitis, depression, and anemia.

Toxicity

Amprenavir is generally well-tolerated, however, large or prolonged doses can lead to serious liver damage and other toxic side effects. Close monitoring of liver enzymes is recommended when starting treatment with Amprenavir.

Precautions

  • Patients should not take Amprenavir if they are allergic to any of the ingredients in the drug.
  • Patients should not take Amprenavir if they are taking certain medications, including anticoagulants, medications that affect the liver, or medications that interact with Amprenavir.
  • Patients should not take Amprenavir if they have kidney or liver impairment.
  • Patients should not take Amprenavir if they are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Interaction

Amprenavir can interact with other medications, including anticoagulants, medications that affect the liver, and medications that interact with Amprenavir. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider before taking any new medications while taking Amprenavir.

Disease Interaction

Amprenavir may interact with certain medical conditions, including kidney or liver disease, and HIV or AIDS. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider if they have any of these conditions before taking Amprenavir.

Drug Interaction

Amprenavir may interact with certain drugs, including anticoagulants, medications that affect the liver, and medications that interact with Amprenavir. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider before taking any new medications while taking Amprenavir.

Food Interactions

Amprenavir may interact with certain foods, including grapefruit juice and certain other fruits and vegetables. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider before eating any of these foods while taking Amprenavir.

Pregnancy Use

Amprenavir should not be used during pregnancy. If a woman is taking Amprenavir and becomes pregnant, she should consult her healthcare provider for advice.

Lactation Use

The safety of Amprenavir during lactation is not known. If a woman is taking Amprenavir and breastfeeding, she should consult her healthcare provider for advice.

Acute Overdose

If an overdose of Amprenavir is suspected, the patient should seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an acute overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, flushing, rash, alterations in taste, and fever.

Contraindication

Amprenavir should not be used in patients who are allergic to any of the ingredients in the drug, or in patients who are taking certain medications, including anticoagulants, medications that affect the liver, or medications that interact with Amprenavir. Patients should not take Amprenavir if they have kidney or liver impairment. Amprenavir should also not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Use Direction

Amprenavir should be taken as prescribed by the healthcare provider. The usual recommended dose is 600 mg orally every 12 hours with food. The dose may be adjusted for patients who have kidney or liver impairment. The dose should not exceed 1200 mg per day. Patients should take Amprenavir with food and should not miss doses or change the time in-between dosages without consulting the healthcare provider.

Storage Condition

Amprenavir should be stored at room temperature, away from heat, light and moisture. The capsules should be kept in their original packaging until ready for use.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution of Amprenavir is approximately 5.2 L/kg.

Half life

The half-life of Amprenavir is approximately 7 hours.

Clearance

Amprenavir has a relatively low clearance rate with approximately 4 L/h/kg.

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