PROTEASE INHIBITORS - A THERAPEUTIC BREAKTHROUGH FOR THE TREATMENT OFPATIENTS WITH HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS

As one of the largest growing classes of antiretroviral drugs, proteas e inhibitors are promising agents for the management of patients infec ted with the human immunodeficiency virus (HN). We reviewed the litera ture and compared efficacy, dosing, side effects, and drug-interaction profiles of the protease inhibitors saquinavir, ritonavir, indinavir, and nelfinavir. We addressed the use of these antiprotease agents as monotherapy versus use in combination therapy with other antiretrovira l medications, and the potential for HIV to develop resistance to this drug class. We also discussed therapy with dual protease inhibitors a nd the use of protease inhibitors in pregnant or lactating women and i n pediatric patients. Finally, we examined case reports of the additio n of protease inhibitors to an antiretroviral regimen that ultimately decreases or reverses opportunistic infections.