Amprenavir
Amprenavir is an antiretroviral medication belonging to the protease inhibitor class, used in combination with other antiretrovirals for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. It works by inhibiting the HIV protease enzyme, which is essential for viral replication. While once used in HIV management, amprenavir has since been largely replaced by newer formulations such as fosamprenavir.
Amprenavir is an HIV protease inhibitor (now largely discontinued) that was used in combination therapy to treat HIV-1 infection.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J05AE05
- RxNorm
- 228656
- Generic
- Amprenavir
- Class
- atc-j05
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- solution, capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 1200mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 20mg/kg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1200mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse only if clearly needed
avoid in pregnancy unless potential benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse only if clearly needed
continue only if benefits justify risks
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse only if clearly needed
continue only if benefits justify risks
regular prenatal monitoring and viral load monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingnot recommended
HIV-infected mothers should not breastfeed to avoid HIV transmission to infant regardless of antiretroviral therapy
none while breastfeeding on this medication
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyno specific adjustment, use with caution
limited clinical experience in patients over 65 years, use with close monitoring
monitor for adverse effects and organ function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 2 12 yearsweight-based dosing required
approved for pediatric patients age 2 years and older; oral solution not for use in infants under 2 years
monitor growth, development, and adverse effects
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno dose adjustment required
amprenavir is not significantly renally excreted, no dose adjustment needed for mild to moderate renal impairment
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
mildconsider dose reduction
use with caution in mild hepatic impairment, monitor liver function
regular liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severedose reduction recommended
reduce dose in moderate to severe hepatic impairment; use with close monitoring
frequent liver function tests and drug level monitoring if available
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval timeline for Amprenavir
Drug class
Drug class classification for Amprenavir
Primary indication
Primary therapeutic use of Amprenavir
Bioavailability
Absorption and bioavailability information
Treatment of HIV-1 infection in combination with other antiretroviral agents. It was indicated for both treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients when used as part of a comprehensive antiretroviral regimen.
Amprenavir is an HIV-1 protease inhibitor that works by blocking the HIV protease enzyme, which is necessary for the virus to mature and become infectious. By preventing proper viral protein processing, it inhibits the replication of HIV.
Amprenavir has been discontinued and is no longer marketed, having been largely replaced by fosamprenavir (a prodrug with improved tolerability). Common side effects included rash, nausea, and diarrhea. It had significant pill burden requiring multiple daily doses. Patients should use current FDA-approved HIV medications as recommended by their healthcare provider.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy