Module 8: Pharmacology - HIV Pharmacologic (Drug) Therapy

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the primary drug classes, specific medications, testing methods, and safety protocols for managing HIV pharmacologic therapy.

Combination therapy

The use of at least 3 antiviral medications together to treat HIV, making it harder for the virus to become resistant.

Viral load test

A test that measures the amount of HIV present in the blood; the goal of treatment is to make this value as low as possible.

CD4 Cell Count

A measure of immune system strength; treatment is generally started when this count drops below a set threshold.

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)

Lifelong medications that do not cure HIV but control it so patients can live long, healthy lives.

NRTIs (Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors)

A class of drugs that act like fake pieces of DNA, causing HIV to stop copying its genetic material by mistake.

NNRTIs (Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors)

Drugs that attach to the reverse transcriptase enzyme to block HIV from making DNA.

Protease Inhibitors (PIs)

Drugs that block the protease enzyme, resulting in HIV particles that are unfinished and non-infectious.

INSTIs (Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors)

The currently preferred first-choice drug class that stops HIV DNA from entering human DNA.

Entry Inhibitors

A class of medications that prevent HIV from attaching to and fusing with CD4 cells.

CYP450 Inhibitors

Drug boosters that slow down the liver's breakdown of HIV medicines, making them work longer and stronger.

Zidovudine

The first HIV drug created; an NRTI still used today to reduce symptoms and help patients live longer.

Nevirapine

An NNRTI that may cause severe side effects such as liver toxicity and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome

A severe, potentially life-threatening skin reaction associated as a side effect of Nevirapine.

Metabolic side effects

Complications common with Protease Inhibitors, including high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and body fat changes.

Enfuvirtide

An example of an Entry Inhibitor drug used to improve immune system function and lower viral load.

Interferon Alfa-2b

A natural immune system protein drug used to treat Kaposi sarcoma and slow HIV disease progression.

Kaposi sarcoma

A cancer linked to HIV weakness that can be treated with Interferon Alfa-2b.

Patient adherence

The most important factor in choosing a drug combination, referring to the patient's ability to take meds correctly every day.

Isoniazid (INH)

Medication given to HIV patients who have a positive TB test but no active disease to prevent transmission.

TMP-SMX

An antibiotic used to prevent Pneumocystis Pneumonia in patients with low CD4 counts.

Pneumocystis Pneumonia

A lung infection that is prevented with medications when a patient's CD4 count becomes low.

Resistance

A state where HIV drugs stop working because the virus has mutated, often caused by missing doses or using only one drug.