Atazanavir
Atazanavir is an antiretroviral medication classified as an HIV-1 protease inhibitor used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It is typically prescribed as part of combination therapy with other antiretrovirals to reduce the amount of HIV in the body and slow disease progression. This medication requires consistent use and is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.
Atazanavir is an HIV-1 protease inhibitor used in combination therapy to suppress the virus and prevent disease progression in patients with HIV infection.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J05AE08
- RxNorm
- 343047
- Generic
- Atazanavir
- Class
- atc-j05
- Brands
- Evotaz, Reyataz
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule, tablet, powder
- 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
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 300mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesterstandard dose with food
use when benefits outweigh risks; consider increasing dose to 400mg daily in second and third trimester
regular viral load monitoring and fetal growth assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesterincrease to 400mg once daily with ritonavir
recommended as part of antiretroviral regimen; take with food
routine prenatal care plus HIV viral load monitoring
pregnancy
third trimestermaintain 400mg once daily with ritonavir through delivery
continue therapy; monitor for hyperbilirubinemia in mother and infant
liver function tests and fetal monitoring
lactation
not recommendednot applicable
HIV-infected mothers should not breastfeed regardless of antiretroviral therapy
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children 3 months and olderweight-based dosing: 8mg/kg once daily (max 300mg) with ritonavir
use in combination with other antiretrovirals; administer with food
regular liver function tests and bilirubin monitoring
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno dose adjustment required
can be used without dose modification; monitor for rash and GI symptoms
standard renal function monitoring
renal_impairment
hemodialysisadminister after dialysis on dialysis days
take with ritonavir; ensure consistent dosing schedule
monitor for adverse effects more closely
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mildno dose adjustment required
use with standard dose; monitor liver enzymes
baseline and periodic liver function tests
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose to 300mg once daily with ritonavir
use with caution; contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment if boosted
frequent liver function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
65 years and olderstart at standard adult dose
use with caution due to limited clinical trial data; monitor for cardiac and hepatic effects
baseline and periodic cardiac and liver function assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval timeline for Atazanavir
Drug class
Pharmacological classification of Atazanavir
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indication
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic properties
Atazanavir is indicated for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients. It is used as part of a combination antiretroviral regimen, often with ritonavir or cobicistat as a booster, along with other HIV medications.
Atazanavir works by inhibiting the HIV-1 protease enzyme, which is essential for the cleavage of viral polyproteins into functional proteins needed for viral replication. By blocking this step, the virus cannot mature into infectious particles, reducing viral load and allowing immune system recovery.
Atazanavir should be taken with food for optimal absorption. It may cause elevated bilirubin levels and jaundice. Drug interactions are common, particularly with medications metabolized by CYP3A4. Patients should be screened for hepatitis B before starting therapy. Treatment should always be used as part of a complete combination regimen; resistance may develop if used as monotherapy.
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 July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy