Antiretroviral medication administration and HIV-positive patients: A practical approach

HIV medication management has become increasingly difficult. The most effective therapies available are often not the most desirable regimens from a convenience, side effect, or quality of life perspective. We will briefly review treatment guidelines, effectiveness, compliance barriers, and role of the pharmacist in caring for HIV-positive patients. We will also provide information on the normal dosing of HIV medications, how medications should be administered with regard to meals, and common antiretroviral combinations. Case studies will illustrate the most common regimens used in the treatment of HIV disease as well as some typical variations from the norm.