Nevirapine
Nevirapine is an antiretroviral medication classified as a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) used in the treatment of HIV-1 infection. It works by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which is essential for the replication of the virus. This medication is typically used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs as part of combination therapy.
Nevirapine is an HIV medication that inhibits viral replication by blocking the reverse transcriptase enzyme.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J05AG01
- RxNorm
- 53654
- Generic
- Nevirapine
- Class
- atc-j05
- Brands
- Viramune
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, suspension
- 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
- 200mg once daily for 14 days, then 200mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours (after lead-in)
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 150mg/m² once daily for 14 days, then 150mg/m² twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours (after lead-in)
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 200mg once daily for 14 days, then 200mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours (after lead-in)
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; nevirapine should not be initiated in pregnant women due to increased risk of hepatotoxicity
regular fetal monitoring and liver function tests
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesteruse with caution
if already on nevirapine, may continue with close monitoring; do not initiate new therapy
frequent liver function monitoring every 2-4 weeks
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingnot recommended
HIV-infected mothers should not breastfeed to prevent vertical transmission; nevirapine is excreted in breast milk
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children 3 months to 18 yearsweight-based dosing required
use pediatric suspension formulation; initiate with lead-in dose period; approved for use in children 3 months and older
monitor liver function tests frequently during first 12 weeks of therapy
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderuse with caution
start at standard dose but monitor closely; elderly patients may have decreased hepatic function
monitor liver function tests more frequently
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentno significant dose adjustment required
use with caution; nevirapine is not significantly renally excreted; monitor for adverse effects
monitor renal function and for signs of toxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severe hepatic impairmentnot recommended
contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment; use with caution in moderate impairment
frequent liver function monitoring if used in moderate impairment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval timeline for Nevirapine
Drug class
Antiretroviral drug classification
Primary indications
Therapeutic indications for Nevirapine
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism of action
Treatment of HIV-1 infection in combination with other antiretroviral agents, used in both adults and pediatric patients (including newborn infants from mothers with HIV).
Nevirapine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) that binds directly to reverse transcriptase and blocks the RNA-dependent and DNA-dependent DNA polymerase activities, preventing viral replication.
Requires dose escalation over the first 14 days to reduce risk of rash. Hepatotoxicity is a serious concern—liver function should be monitored regularly, especially during the first 18 weeks. Should not be used as monotherapy. Common side effects include rash, fever, and fatigue. May cause severe skin reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
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