Saquinavir
Saquinavir is an antiretroviral medication classified as an HIV protease inhibitor, used in combination with other antiretrovirals to manage HIV infection. It works by inhibiting the HIV protease enzyme, preventing the virus from assembling new infectious viral particles. Due to its interaction profile and dosing requirements, it is now rarely used compared to newer antiretroviral options.
Saquinavir is an older HIV protease inhibitor rarely used today due to newer, better-tolerated alternatives.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J05AE01
- RxNorm
- 83395
- Generic
- Saquinavir
- Class
- atc-j05
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule, tablet
- 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.
Saquinavir is indicated for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in combination with other antiretroviral agents. It was historically used in treatment-experienced patients and those with viral resistance to other drug classes, though it has largely been replaced by newer protease inhibitors and integrase inhibitors with improved efficacy and tolerability profiles.
Saquinavir inhibits HIV protease, an enzyme essential for cleaving viral polyprotein precursors into functional components needed for assembling new viral particles. By blocking this enzyme, saquinavir prevents maturation of infectious HIV virions, reducing viral replication and allowing the immune system to recover.
Saquinavir requires boosting with ritonavir or cobicistat due to its poor bioavailability. It has significant drug interactions via CYP3A4 metabolism and cannot be used with many other medications including certain statins, antiarrhythmics, and ergot derivatives. Common side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms, metabolic changes, and lipodystrophy. Now considered a second-line or salvage therapy option due to the availability of more effective and better-tolerated antiretrovirals.
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