Efavir is a commercial drug that is prescribed in the form of Capsule, Tablet. Primarily, it is used for the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Efavir also has some secondary and off-label uses. These are listed below.
The right dosage of Efavir depends on the age, gender, and medical history of the patient. Individual symptoms and route of administration also determines the right dosage. This information has been provided in detail in the dosage section.
Efavir also has some side effects, the most common being Fever, Diarrhoea, Headache. Some other side effects of Efavir have been listed ahead. Such side effects of Efavir normally do not last long and go away once the treatment is completed. Please speak with your doctor if these side effects worsen or persist for a longer duration.
In addition, Efavir's effect is Severe during pregnancy and Mild for lactating mothers. Further, the section on Efavir related warnings talks about Efavir's effects on the liver, heart and kidney.
Other contraindications of Efavir have been discussed in the sections ahead.
Additionally, Efavir may also adversely react with other medicines. See below for a complete list.
In addition to the above precautions for Efavir, it is important to know that it is not safe while driving, and is not habit-forming.
Efavir is used to treat the following -
Main Benefits
Other Benefits
This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.
Find the right dosage based on disease and age
Age Group | Dosage |
Based on research, the following side effects have been observed when Efavir is used -
Moderate
Mild
Common
Is the use of Efavir safe for pregnant women?
Efavir can cause severe side effects if taken during pregnancy, so, pregnant women should talk to their doctor before taking it.
Is the use of Efavir safe during breastfeeding?
Efavir may have very limited harmful effects for breastfeeding women.
What is the effect of Efavir on the Kidneys?
Efavir does not damage the kidneys.
What is the effect of Efavir on the Liver?
Efavir is rarely harmful for the liver.
What is the effect of Efavir on the Heart?
Very few cases of side effects of Efavir on the heart have been reported.
Efavir should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -
Moderate
If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Efavir unless your doctor advises you to do so -
Is this Efavir habit forming or addictive?
Efavir is not addictive in nature.
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?
After taking Efavir, you should not drive or work on any heavy machine, as Efavir can make you drowsy.
Is it safe?
Yes, Efavir is safe but you must consult your doctor before taking it.
Is it able to treat mental disorders?
No, Efavir cannot treat any kind of mental disorder.
Interaction between Food and Efavir
It is safe to take Efavir with food.
Interaction between Alcohol and Efavir
Consuming Efavir with alcohol can have many serious effects on your body.
This medicine data has been created by -
B.Pharma, Pharmacy
5 Years of Experience
References
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [Internet]. Maryland. USA; Package leaflet information for the user; Sustiva® (efavirenz)
April Hazard Vallerand, Cynthia A. Sanoski. [link]. Sixteenth Edition. Philadelphia, China: F. A. Davis Company; 2019: Page No 481-483
KD Tripathi. [link]. Seventh Edition. New Delhi, India: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers; 2013: Page No 809-810