Protease inhibitor

Protease inhibitors (PIs) are a class of antiviral drugs that are widely used to treat HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C. PIs prevent viral replication by inhibiting the activity of protease, an enzyme used by HIV and HCV to cleave nascent proteins for final assembly of new virions.

Mechanism of action

Protease inhibitors work by binding to the enzyme protease, making it impossible for the virus to cleave nascent proteins for final assembly of new virions. This prevents the virus from replicating within the body.

Types of Protease Inhibitors

There are several types of protease inhibitors, including those used to treat HIV and those used to treat hepatitis C. Some of the most common protease inhibitors include:

• Atazanavir (Reyataz)
• Darunavir (Prezista)
• Fosamprenavir (Lexiva, Telzir)
• Indinavir (Crixivan)
• Lopinavir (in Kaletra)
• Nelfinavir (Viracept)
• Ritonavir (Norvir)
• Saquinavir (Invirase)
• Tipranavir (Aptivus)

Side Effects

Like all medications, protease inhibitors can cause side effects. Some of the most common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Unusual taste in the mouth
• Feeling weak or tired
• Changes in the distribution of fat on the body

See Also

• Antiretroviral drug
• HIV/AIDS
• Hepatitis C