What is this medication for?
Delavirdine is used in combination with other HIV medications to treat the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the virus responsible for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Delavirdine is one of a class of medications called non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). Reverse transcriptase is a part of HIV required to infect cells and make more viruses. Delavirdine prevents reverse transcriptase from working properly. Delavirdine does not cure AIDS and does not prevent it from being spread to others. It does slow further growth or reproduction of HIV when used in combination with other medications, and it seems to slow down the destruction of the immune system. This may help to delay the development of problems that are related to AIDS or HIV disease.
Treatment with delavirdine alone is ineffective and must be used in combination with other HIV medications.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Rescriptor® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended adult dose of delavirdine is 400 mg three times daily taken in combination with other anti-HIV (antiretroviral) drugs.
To take the delavirdine 100 mg tablets, dissolve 4 tablets in at least 90 mL (3 ounces) of water for a few minutes, stir, then drink the contents. Rinse the glass with water and drink the contents to make sure that you are getting the full dose. Do not swallow the 100 mg tablets whole.
The delavirdine 200 mg tablets must be swallowed whole. Do not dissolve the 200 mg tablets in water, crush or chew them.
Delavirdine may be taken with or without food. Take it at least one hour apart from antacids. People who have low stomach acid may need to take delavirdine with orange or cranberry juice.
Finish all this medication, even if you have started to feel better
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Delavirdine should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to delavirdine or any ingredients of the medication
- is taking:
- astemizole or terfenadine
- benzodiazepines (i.e. midazolam, triazolam, alprazolam)
- cisapride
- ergotamine, methylergonovine)
- ergot derivatives (i.e. dihydroergotamine, ergonovine,
- pimozide