
Interactions between alcohol and the antiretroviral medications ritonavir or efavirenz. Alcohol abuse occurs frequently in those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
infection. Alcohol has been linked to poor response to HIV treatment and more rapid progression of HIV. One possible contributor to such observations is drug interactions between alcohol and antiretroviral (ARV) medications. This study examined drug interactions between antiretroviral therapies (ARTs) containing either efavirenz or ritonavir with alcohol. Human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals not currently receiving ARTs participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in which alcohol (or placebo) was administered and followed by blood sampling for pharmacokinetics, subjective, cardiovascular, and neuropsychological responses obtained at predetermined times. Antiretroviral therapy was then initiated and alcohol (or placebo) sessions were repeated after at least 2 weeks of observed ART.
infection. Alcohol has been linked to poor response to HIV treatment and more rapid progression of HIV. One possible contributor to such observations is drug interactions between alcohol and antiretroviral (ARV) medications. This study examined drug interactions between antiretroviral therapies (ARTs) containing either efavirenz or ritonavir with alcohol. Human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals not currently receiving ARTs participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in which alcohol (or placebo) was administered and followed by blood sampling for pharmacokinetics, subjective, cardiovascular, and neuropsychological responses obtained at predetermined times. Antiretroviral therapy was then initiated and alcohol (or placebo) sessions were repeated after at least 2 weeks of observed ART.