Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that destroys the immune system and causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is the final and most serious stage of HIV infection. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the main drug treatment for HIV is Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). The FDA has approved seven antiretroviral drugs to be part of HAART. HAART makes the suppression of HIV more effective and reduces drug resistance. HAART is not a cure for HIV.
Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs)
In order for HIV to replicate, an enzyme known as reverse transcriptase is needed, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NRTIs work by blocking reverse transcriptase and preventing HIV replication. Examples of NRTIs include Combivir, Emtriva and Retrovir. According to the FDA, dizziness, insomnia, upset stomach and headache are common side effects of these drugs.
Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs)
NNRTIs destroy HIV by binding to and disabling reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that HIV needs in order to replicate, the NIH reports. Examples of NNRTIs are Intelence, Rescriptor and Viramune. According to the FDA, the most common side effects of NNRTIs are dizziness, skin rash, headache, insomnia, upset stomach and fatigue.
Protease Inhibitors (PIs)
The NIH states that PIs disable protease, a protein that HIV needs in order to replicate. Agenerase, Aptivus and Crixivan are drugs in this category. The FDA states that common side effects of PIs are headache, diarrhea, rash, upset stomach and weakness.
Fusion Inhibitors
According to the NIH, fusion inhibitors work by preventing HIV membranes from fusing with the membranes of healthy cells. One drug from this class is Fuzeon. According to FDA, common side effects of fusion inhibitors are depression, muscle pain, insomnia, constipation, itching, redness and weakness.
Entry Inhibitors
Entry inhibitors work by blocking preventing HIV from entering healthy cells, according to the NIH. An example of a drug from this class is Selzentry. The FDA reports that common side effects of entry inhibitors are dizziness, stomach pain, fever, muscle pain, cough and skin rash.
Integrase Inhibitors
According to the NIH, integrase inhibitors work by disabling integrase, a protein that HIV uses to insert its genetic material into the genetic material of a healthy cell. An example of a drug from this class is Isentress. Common side effects of integrase inhibitors include diarrhea, nausea and headache.
Combination Drugs
Combination drugs contain two or more antiretroviral drugs combined to form a single tablet. An example of a drug from this class is Atripla. Atripla is taken once a day and reduces the burden of taking multiple HIV medications. According to the FDA, patients taking combination antiretroviral drugs may experience side effects such as dizziness, insomnia and problems concentrating.
About this Author
Esther Sherry is a registered nurse with extensive experience in health and wellness. She holds a B.S. in nursing, B.A in psychology and has worked for more than five years in the health care field. She enjoys writing articles on a variety of topics for the net. Her work has been published in various websites.
