Β Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)
Β Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) Read More Β»
βοΈ Time to get HIV Protease Outta Here with Atazanavir! π¦ π β
β
π Letβs talk about Atazanavir’s nickname, Bananavir. πβ
β
π Atazanavir is used with other antiretroviral medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). π¦ π It belongs to a class of drugs known as protease inhibitors. β
β
π One of the most common side effects with atazanavir is hyperbilirubinemia (35-49% of adults) causing yellow discoloration of the eyes and skin (jaundice) hence why this drug is often nicknamed BANANAVIR! πOther common side effects include rash, nausea, headache, cough, fever, and hypercholesterolemia. β
β
π Key Points to Know For Examsβ
β
-It is marketed under the brand name Reyatazβ
β
-It works to inhibit HIV protease from breaking up large viral proteins into new mature HIV particlesβ
β
-It comes as a capsule and as a powder to be taken with food once a day to increase absorptionβ
β
-Hypersensitivity reaction can occur (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic skin eruptions)β
β
-Beware of drug interactions as atazanavir is metabolized via CYP3A4 and it requires an acid gastric environment for optimal absorption (PPIs are contraindicated with use)β
β
-Atazanavir is often given with ritonavir to help boost levels of atazanavir concentrationsβ
β
Hear me out as we discuss ototoxic drugsβ
β
π Ototoxicity is a medication side effect involving damage to your inner ear. It can cause symptoms like ringing in your ears (tinnitus), hearing loss and balance problems.β
β
π The risk for ototoxicity depends on the type of medication (common in some medications than others), the dose and duration of the medication, if you’re taking a combination of ototoxic drugs, and genetics. β
β
π The treatment is to stop the offending ototoxic agent. This often helps reverse the symptoms, although some ear damage may be permanent. β
β
π The most common drugs associated with ototoxicity includes aminoglycosides, chemotherapy such as cisplatin, loop diuretics, and salicylates. Check out today’s post to learn a fun mnemonic on other drugs that can cause ototoxicity. β
.