Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Rapid Screening of HIV Reverse Transcriptase and Integrase Inhibitors
Published on: April 9, 2014
Interactions between antifungal and antiretroviral agents
Christine A Hughes1, Michelle Foisy, Alice Tseng
1University of Alberta, Faculty of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 3126 Dent/Pharm Centre, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2N8 Canada. chughes@pharmacy.ualberta.ca
Importance Of The Field:
Since the advent of combination antiretroviral therapy, the incidence of opportunistic infections has declined and the life expectancy of HIV-infected people has significantly increased. However, opportunistic infections, including fungal diseases, remain a leading cause of hospitalizations and mortality in HIV-infected people. With the availability of several new antiretroviral and antifungal agents, drug-drug interactions emerge as a potential safety concern.
Areas Covered In This Review:
Relevant literature was identified using a Medline search of articles published up to March 2010 and a review of conference abstracts. Search terms included HIV, antifungal agents and drug interactions. Original papers and relevant citations were considered for this review.
What The Reader Will Gain:
Readers will gain an understanding of the pharmacokinetic properties of antiretroviral and antifungal agents, and insight into significant drug-drug interactions which may require dosage adjustments or a change in therapy.
Take Home Message:
Azole antifungal drugs, with the exception of fluconazole, pose the greatest risk of two-way interactions with antiretroviral drugs through CYP450 enzymes effects. Limited studies suggest the risk of interactions between antiretroviral drugs and echinocandins is much lower. The combination of tenofovir and amphotericin B should be used with caution and close monitoring of renal function is required.
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