Viracept

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Viracept

Do not take Viracept with any of the following medications. The combination could cause serious or even life-threatening problems.

Amiodarone (Cordarone)
Ergot derivatives such as Cafergot, D.H.E., Methergine, and Migranal
Lovastatin (Mevacor)
Midazolam (Versed)
Pimozide (Orap)
Quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex)
Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)
Simvastatin (Zocor)
St. John's wort
Triazolam (Halcion)

Viracept may also interact with certain other drugs, and the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Viracept with the following:

Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Azithromycin (Zithromax)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
Delavirdine (Rescriptor)
Indinavir (Crixivan)
Methadone
Nevirapine (Viramune)
Oral contraceptives
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Rifabutin (Mycobutin)
Ritonavir (Norvir)
Saquinavir (Invirase)
Sildenafil (Viagra)
Sirolimus (Rapamune)
Tacrolimus (Prograf)

If you're also taking the HIV drug didanosine (Videx), be aware that it should be taken on an empty stomach. Since Viracept should be taken with food, you should take your didanosine dose 1 hour before or 2 hours after your Viracept dose.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Viracept during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.

Do not breastfeed your baby. HIV appears in breast milk and can infect a nursing infant.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

The recommended dose is 1,250 milligrams (five 250-milligram or two 625-milligram tablets) twice a day or 750 milligrams (three 250-milligram tablets) 3 times a day. Take with a meal or snack.

CHILDREN

Viracept oral powder is available for children who are unable to take tablets. The recommended dose for children 2 to 13 years of age is 20 to 30 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight, 3 times a day with a meal or snack. The oral powder can be measured out with the provided scooper or a teaspoon--your doctor will tell you how much--and mixed with a small amount of water or any other fluid listed under "How should you take this medication?".

The safety and effectiveness of Viracept in children below age 2 have not been established.

Overdosage

Information on acute overdose with Viracept is limited. However, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.