Atazanavir
Atazanavir is an HIV-1 protease inhibitor. It selectively inhibits the virus-specific processing of viral Gag and Gag-Pol polyproteins in HIV-1 infected cells, thereby preventing the formation of mature virions. It is administered orally and requires food for optimal absorption.
Dosage by Body Weight
Atazanavir must be taken with food. In treatment-naive adults, the typical dosage is 300 mg co-administered with 100 mg ritonavir once daily. Pediatric dosage is determined by body weight and should be administered in combination with ritonavir.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Not recommended
- Tracking Notes
- Contraindicated in pediatric patients under 3 months of age due to the risk of kernicterus.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Not routinely recommended
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients weighing less than 10 kg for oral powder, or under 15 kg for capsules.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Specialist guidance only
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Oral powder formulation may be used in infants at least 3 months old under the strict direction of a pediatric HIV specialist.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 150 mg Atazanavir (oral powder) + 80 mg Ritonavir
- Frequency
- Once daily with a meal
- Tracking Notes
- For patients at least 3 months of age. Capsules are not recommended for children weighing less than 15 kg.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 150 mg Atazanavir (capsule or oral powder) + 100 mg Ritonavir
- Frequency
- Once daily with a meal
- Tracking Notes
- Capsules may be used if the child is able to swallow them whole. Otherwise, use oral powder. Must be co-administered with ritonavir.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine | Not recommended | Contraindicated in pediatric patients under 3 months of age due to the risk of kernicterus. |
| 5-7 kg | Not routinely recommended | Use only if prescribed | Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients weighing less than 10 kg for oral powder, or under 15 kg for capsules. |
| 8-10 kg | Specialist guidance only | Once daily | Oral powder formulation may be used in infants at least 3 months old under the strict direction of a pediatric HIV specialist. |
| 11-15 kg | 150 mg Atazanavir (oral powder) + 80 mg Ritonavir | Once daily with a meal | For patients at least 3 months of age. Capsules are not recommended for children weighing less than 15 kg. |
| 16-20 kg | 150 mg Atazanavir (capsule or oral powder) + 100 mg Ritonavir | Once daily with a meal | Capsules may be used if the child is able to swallow them whole. Otherwise, use oral powder. Must be co-administered with ritonavir. |
Formulation
Purpose
Atazanavir is an antiretroviral medication used to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) infection. It is a protease inhibitor that is typically used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs, often co-administered with a booster like ritonavir or cobicistat, to reduce viral load and increase CD4 cell count.
Generic Name
AtazanavirBranded Drug Names
Atazanavir is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.