Delavirdine (Rescriptor) Drug for AIDS/HIV: Use, Side Effects, Interactions

Delavirdine
(Rescriptor, United States and Canada)

Use:

Delavirdine or Rescriptor is an anti-viral drug used in conditions like AIDS.

How It Works:

Delavirdine or Rescriptor is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) of the antiretroviral drug group. It inhibits the same viral enzyme that AZT does, but does so in a different way.

Side Effects:

Severe rashes and skin reactions are common with Delavirdine or Rescriptor.

Cautions for People:

People with pre-existing skin conditions may find that Delavirdine or Rescriptor aggravates their skin condition.

Drug Interactions:

Delavirdine or Rescriptor is used in combination with AZT. If it is used alone, resistance develops quickly, but with AZT it remains active for a longer period of time.

Further Reading:

An Intern Med 1996;124:1019
J Virol 1996;70(6):3698
J Virol 1996;70(4):2620
Science 1996;271(5253):1282

Added to Virtual Drugstore November 1996.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.