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Home > Treatment > Drug Dosing Toolkit > Viramune

Viramune (nevirapine)

Type of Drug: Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor
Nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors prevent HIV from using an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to make copies of itself. These drugs are also known as NNRTIs, nonnucleosides or "nonnukes."

Approved adult dosing

Immediate release formulation (Viramune): one 200 mg tablet, two times a day

  • Morning

    Viramune 200

    Viramune (200 mg)

  • Evening

    Viramune 200

    Viramune (200 mg)

Note: When first starting Viramune, you must take 200 mg once daily for 14 days, then increase to 200 mg two times a day.

Extended release formulation (Viramune XR): one 400 mg tablet, once a day

  • Daily

    Viramune XR

    Viramune XR 400 mg

Note: When starting Viramune XR, you first must take immediate release Viramune 200 mg once daily for 14 days, then switch to Viramune XR 400 mg once daily.

Note: Generic formulations are available; these generic pills may have different shapes and colors than the ones shown above.

Notes on taking this medication

  • No food restrictions, can take with or without food
  • Viramune interacts with many other drugs; persons using Viramune with those drugs may need an adjustment to their dose of the other drugs or avoid certain combinations; consult your medical provider

Side effects

  • Rash: rarely, rash may be severe and may require hospitalization; rash usually appears within first 3 weeks of starting drug
  • Liver inflammation; rarely severe liver damage; liver test results should be monitored closely for the first 18 weeks that you take Viramune
  • Nausea; abdominal discomfort

See accompanying chart: Tips for Common Side Effects

My doctor's instructions

Contents
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