Classification of individual ARVs

Clinical description

• Main classification is based on mode of action against HIV replication.
• Sub-classification is based on biochemical structure of the drug.
• Only ARVs with the same dosing interval are available as fixed-dose combinations.

Table 14: Classification of ARVs Mode of action Biochem. structure Abbrev. ARVs Dosing interval AZT 12-hourly 12- or 24- Nucleosides NRTI 3TC, ABC hourly Reverse Transcriptase Entecavir (ETV)* 24-hourly Inhibitors Nucleotide NtRTI TDF 24-hourly NVP 12-hourly Non-Nucleosides NNRTI EFV 24-hourly ATV/r 24-hourly Protease Inhibitors PI DRV 12-hourly LPV/r 12-hourly Integrase Strand INSTI DTG 24-hourly Transfer Inhibitor *ETV is used for treating chronic HepB (not HIV). Needed for HIV/HepB co-infected patients who cannot take TDF/3TC containing ART (e.g. children under 30kg, patients with renal insufficiency)