Nelfinavir
Viracept (nelfinavir) is an antiretroviral medication classified as a protease inhibitor, used in combination with other HIV medications to manage HIV infection. It works by inhibiting the HIV protease enzyme, which is essential for the virus to replicate and mature. While once commonly prescribed, it has largely been replaced by newer antiretroviral agents with improved tolerability profiles.
Viracept is an older HIV protease inhibitor used in combination therapy to suppress the HIV virus.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 134526
- Generic
- Viracept
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- 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.
Viracept is indicated for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and children. It is always used as part of combination antiretroviral therapy (often called a 'cocktail') and is not used as monotherapy.
As a protease inhibitor, Viracept blocks the HIV protease enzyme. This enzyme is responsible for cleaving viral polyproteins into functional units needed for new viral particles. By inhibiting this process, the medication prevents the virus from producing infectious particles, thereby reducing viral load.
Viracept should be taken with food to enhance absorption. It has numerous drug interactions due to its metabolism through CYP450 enzymes. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and rash. Due to the availability of more effective and better-tolerated alternatives, Viracept is rarely prescribed in current clinical practice.
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
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 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy