DENAVIR
Clinical safety rating: caution
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for DENAVIR (DENAVIR).
DENAVIR is a synthetic peptide that inhibits viral replication by preventing the fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane. It specifically targets the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp41, blocking the conformational changes required for membrane fusion.
| Metabolism | DENAVIR is not significantly metabolized; it is excreted unchanged primarily via the kidneys. |
| Excretion | Renal excretion of unchanged drug accounts for approximately 90% of the administered dose via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. Biliary/fecal elimination is minimal (<5%). |
| Half-life | Terminal elimination half-life is 2.5–3.5 hours in patients with normal renal function. Prolonged to 20–40 hours in severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min). |
| Protein binding | Approximately 70–80% bound to plasma proteins, primarily albumin and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein. |
| Volume of Distribution | Volume of distribution is 0.8–1.2 L/kg, indicating wide distribution into total body water and tissues. |
| Bioavailability | Oral bioavailability is approximately 80–85% following administration with food, which enhances absorption. Absolute bioavailability is 80%. |
| Onset of Action | Oral: Onset of action occurs within 1–2 hours post-dose. Intravenous: Onset is immediate upon completion of infusion. |
| Duration of Action | Duration of antiviral effect is approximately 8–12 hours based on trough plasma concentrations above EC50. Clinical dosing interval is every 12 hours for oral and every 24 hours for IV in renal impairment. |
5 mg applied topically to affected area once daily for 4 weeks.
| Dosage form | CREAM |
| Renal impairment | No adjustment required; drug is not significantly renally excreted. |
| Liver impairment | No adjustment required for mild to moderate hepatic impairment; safety not established in severe impairment. |
| Pediatric use | Not approved for pediatric use; safety and efficacy not established. |
| Geriatric use | No specific adjustment; use with caution due to potential age-related skin barrier changes. |
| 1st trimester | Consult provider |
| 2nd trimester | Consult provider |
| 3rd trimester | Consult provider |
Clinical note
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for DENAVIR (DENAVIR).
| Breastfeeding | Excreted in human milk in low concentrations; M/P ratio unknown. Caution in breastfeeding due to potential for adverse effects in infant (e.g., bleeding risk). |
| Teratogenic Risk | FDA Pregnancy Category C. In first trimester, no adequate human studies; animal studies show embryotoxicity at high doses. Second and third trimesters: risk of fetal hemorrhage due to inhibition of platelet aggregation; avoid near term. Use only if potential benefit outweighs risk. |
| Fetal Monitoring |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
None
| Serious Effects |
["Hypersensitivity to DENAVIR or any of its components"]
| Precautions | ["Hypersensitivity reactions","Local injection site reactions","Increased risk of infections"] |
| Food/Dietary | No known food interactions. Maintain a balanced diet to support immune function. |
| Clinical Pearls | Apply within 48 hours of lesion onset for efficacy. Use a finger cot or gloves to prevent autoinoculation. Avoid application to mucous membranes or eyes. |
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| Maternal: complete blood count, liver function tests, renal function, blood pressure, signs of bleeding. Fetal: ultrasound for growth and placental integrity; nonstress test/ biophysical profile in third trimester if used late. |
| Fertility Effects | No known effect on fertility in humans; animal studies show no impairment. |
| Patient Advice | Start therapy at first sign of outbreak. · Wash hands before and after application. · Do not share the medication or applicator. · Avoid touching lesions to prevent spread. · Use sun protection as sunlight can trigger outbreaks. |