1. Home
  2. Health
  3. AIDS / HIV

Sustiva (efavirenz)

By , About.com Guide

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Classification:
Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NNRTI)

Form:
  • 50mg capsule (gold/white)
  • 100mg capsule (white)
  • 200mg capsule (gold)
  • 600mg (yellow; oval tablet)

Dosage:
The standard dose is (3) 200mg capsules or (1) 600mg tablet at bedtime.

Instructions:
  • Take on empty stomach or with a light snack.
  • Recommended to be taken at bedtime so you can sleep through side effects if they occur.

Side Effects to Report to Your Doctor:
  • Nausea / vomiting
  • Headache / lightheadedness
  • Rash (usually goes away without stopping Sustiva)
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Anxiety
  • Vivid, life-like dreams
  • Mood changes

Drug Interactions or Incompatibility:
Dose adjustment of Indinavir and Kaletra are required when taking Sustiva.

Special Warning:
  • Important Warning!
    Sustiva can't be taken while pregnant because of the possibility of birth defects.
  • If there is any chance you are pregnant or you are trying to get pregnant, notify your doctor immediately. A medication change will be necessary.

    For More Information:
    To learn more about Sustiva try About.com's Drug Finder.

    More medication fact sheets

Explore AIDS / HIV
About.com Special Features

8 Ways to Cut Drug Costs

Learn how to save money on medications with these recommendations. More >

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. AIDS / HIV
  4. Medication Information
  5. Medication Fact Sheets
  6. Meds P - T
  7. Sustiva (efavirenz)

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.