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Protease Inhibitors

Protease Inhibitors (PI) are one of the three major classification of anti-HIV medication currently available. Their main function is to block the protein called Protease which the virus needs in order to reproduce itself. By blocking this protein, the reproduction of new virus is slowed down resulting in slower progression of the disease. Protease Inhibitors are usually used in combination with other anti-HIV drugs. 

Presently, there are 7 different kinds of drugs that belong to this classification, namely:

 

Generic Name	Brand Name
Amprenavir	Agenerase
Atazanavir	Reyataz
Indinavir	Crixivan
Kaletra	Lopinavir
Nelfinavir	Viracept
Ritonavir	Norvir
Saquinavir	Invirase, Fortovase

 

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