A review of antiretroviral drugs

The 2000 guidelines for the use of antiretroviral agents have been established. Current combination therapy for HIV infection is complex for both the doctor and patient. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is defined as three or more antiretroviral drugs from two or three different classes of drugs; three major classes of drug therapy are available. Combining drug classes, negotiating treatment regimens, and monitoring laboratory parameters is a complex task requiring an HIV expert. Current antiretroviral therapy is complicated by serious side effects, patient compliance, and risk of resistant strains emerging from suboptimal or inappropriate dosing. This practical review discusses each class of antiretroviral drug treatment, common side effects and cutaneous manifestations, drug interactions, laboratory monitoring, dietary restrictions, dosing amounts, and treatment.