II. Mechanism
III. Disadvantages
- Weak effect
- Expensive
- May worsen resistance for better drugs
IV. Adverse Effects
- Rash
- Prolonged QT Interval
- Hyperprolactinemia (rare)
V. Drug Interactions
-
Garlic supplements (do not use with Saquinavir)
- Reduces Saquinavir concentrations by 50%
- Levels may remain reduced even after stopiing Garlic
- Piscitelli (2002) Clin Infect Dis 34:234-8 [PubMed]
VI. Dosing
- Saquinavir 600 mg PO tid ($572/month)
- If taken without food, may have no antiviral activity
- Take within 2 hours after a full meal
- Meals increase absorption and decrease GI upset