Abstract

A BRIEF REVIEW ON EFAVIRENZ AND IT’S ADVERSE EFFECTS

Dr. Madasu Venkata Sai Lakshmi Priyanka*, Dr. Devarapalli Lakshmi Chandrika, Dr. Kursam Sahaja, Dr. Devalaraju Krishna Chaithanya and Dr. Dasari Naga Lakshmi

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Abstract

Efavirenz is a commonly used non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor frequently prescribed in combination with other antiretroviral regimens (e.g., protease inhibitors) for the treatment of HIV. After its admission for pharmaceutical treatment in efavirenz has become a cornerstone for highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART). Good CNS penetration has been seen as a major strength of antiretroviral regimens, particularly efavirenz. Accumulating evidence suggests neuroprotective effects against cognitive decline such as HIVassociated dementia and other aspects of neuropsychological functioning.Recent studies have focused on the relevance of plasma concentrations and genetic predispositions as moderators of neuropsychiatric complications. Nevertheless, its proven effectiveness as a first-line treatment in suppressing plasma viral load comes along with reports of adverse centralnervous and neuropsychiatric effects which have been frequently reported after exposure to efavirenz.The use of psychophysiological measures in the assessment process enables the quantification of treatment-related side effects with high temporal solution, comparative measurements, and sensitivity toward subclinical effects, and thus provides a new source of information.

Keywords: Efavirenz, Neuropsychological effects, Antiretroviral regimens.