What medications can be taken in the early stage of AIDS?
Dec 01, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
Commonly used antiviral drugs in the initial treatment of HIV include tenofovir, lamivudine, efavirenz, zidovudine, and rilpivirine. Tenofovir belongs to the class of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and works by inhibiting the enzymatic activity required for viral replication, thereby preventing virus proliferation in the body. It is often used in combination with other drugs, has good tolerability, and is one of the commonly used medications in initial HIV treatment regimens.
In general, commonly used antiviral drugs during the early stage of HIV treatment include tenofovir, lamivudine, efavirenz, zidovudine, and rilpivirine. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Tenofovir: This drug belongs to the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) class. It prevents viral replication in the body by inhibiting the enzyme activity required for virus reproduction. It is often used in combination with other medications and is generally well-tolerated, making it one of the preferred drugs in initial HIV treatment regimens.
2. Lamivudine: Also a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, lamivudine binds to the viral reverse transcriptase enzyme, thereby interfering with viral nucleic acid synthesis. The drug has stable efficacy and exhibits synergistic effects with various antiviral agents, frequently serving as a component of combination therapy.
3. Efavirenz: This is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) that suppresses viral reverse transcriptase activity through a different mechanism, offering strong antiviral effects. It is typically taken at night. Some patients may experience mild neurological side effects, which usually diminish over time as the body adapts.
4. Zidovudine: One of the earliest nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors used in HIV treatment, zidovudine effectively inhibits viral replication. In clinical practice, it is commonly combined with other drugs. It is important to adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage to minimize adverse reactions.
5. Rilpivirine: Another non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, rilpivirine acts with high specificity against the virus. It is convenient to take, and its absorption is enhanced when taken with food, making it a suitable option for initial therapy.
Early-stage HIV treatment must strictly follow the combination drug regimen prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider. Patients should not self-select, adjust doses, or change medications without medical guidance. Regular monitoring of viral load and liver and kidney function is necessary during treatment, and any physical discomfort should be promptly reported to the physician.
