Saquinavir Mesylate(sa kwen’ a veer)
Invirase
PREGNANCY CATEGORY B
Drug Classes
Antiretroviral
Protease inhibitor
Therapeutic Actions
Protease inhibitor, which in combination with nucleoside analogues is effective in HIV infections with changes in surrogate markers.
Indications
Treatment of HIV infection in combination with other antiretrovirals in patients older than 16 yr
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with life-threatening allergy to any component, severe hepatic impairment, congenital prolonged QT interval, complete AV block, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, concurrent use of saquinavir/ritonavir with rifampin.
Use cautiously with pregnancy, lactation, hemophilia, diabetes.
Available Forms
Capsules—200 mg; tablets—500 mg
Dosages
Adults and patients older than 16 yr
1,000 mg bid with ritonavir 100 mg bid given together within 2 hr after a meal or with lopinavir 400 mg/ritonavir 100 mg PO bid (tablets); 1,000 mg bid PO with lopinavir 400 mg ritonavir 100 mg PO bid (capsules).
Pediatric patients younger than 16 yr
Safety and efficacy not established.
Patients with hepatic impairment
Drug is contraindicated with severe hepatic impairment.
