Introduction

• Delavirdine is an antiretroviral drug.
• It belongs to the class of NNRTIs (Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors).
• It works by binding directly to the reverse transcriptase enzyme of HIV-1 and blocking viral replication.
• It was one of the earlier NNRTIs developed for HIV/AIDS treatment, but its use has declined due to better alternatives.

Uses

• Used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs for the treatment of HIV-1 infection.
• It helps reduce viral load and increase CD4+ cell counts, thereby improving immune function.
• Not a cure, but part of ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) to prolong life and reduce HIV transmission.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• Rash (very frequent, sometimes severe)
• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain

Serious side effects (less common):

• Severe skin reactions (Stevens–Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme)
• Liver toxicity (elevated liver enzymes, hepatitis, rarely liver failure)
• Drug interactions (it inhibits CYP3A4, so it interacts with many medications)

Popular Brand Names

• Rescriptor® (Pfizer – U.S., discontinued in 2015 due to low demand and availability of better HIV drugs).

✅ Summary:
Delavirdine (brand Rescriptor®) is an NNRTI antiretroviral used for HIV-1 treatment in combination therapy. Its use is now limited because of drug resistance, interactions, frequent rashes, and better alternatives (like efavirenz, nevirapine, rilpivirine, etravirine).