antiretrovirala

Antiretroviral drugs are medications used to treat HIV infection by inhibiting replication of the virus. They act at different points in the HIV life cycle, including entry into cells, reverse transcription, integration of viral DNA into the host genome, proteolytic processing of viral proteins, and maturation of new virions. This diversity allows combination therapy to suppress viral load effectively and preserve immune function.

The main drug classes are nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) such as tenofovir and emtricitabine; non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) such as efavirenz; protease inhibitors (PIs) such as darunavir; integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) such as dolutegravir and bictegravir; and entry inhibitors including fusion inhibitors and CCR5 antagonists such as maraviroc. Some regimens also involve maturation inhibitors in development. Most treatments use a combination of 2-3 drugs from different classes, frequently provided as a single-tablet regimen taken once daily.

Treatment guidelines recommend starting antiretroviral therapy as soon as HIV is diagnosed, regardless of CD4 count, to achieve and maintain viral suppression, reduce disease progression, and lower the risk of transmission. Ongoing management includes regular monitoring of viral load, CD4 count, safety labs, and assessment of adherence and potential drug interactions. The goal is sustained viral suppression with minimal toxicity. Access to antiretrovirals has transformed HIV into a manageable chronic condition, though disparities in availability and outcomes remain a global challenge.