Drug Interactions of Tipranavir, a New HIV Protease Inhibitor

Tipranavir is one of the latest approved HIV protease inhibitors. This non-peptidic molecule is an strong inducer of cytochrome P450 and has to be co-administered with low doses ritonavir as pharmacokinetic booster to achieve effective antiviral activity in vivo. As expected, significant drug interactions may occur in patients treated with tipranavir/ ritonavir, including diminished exposure to some antiretroviral agents. Although a few interactions can be managed with adequate drug dosing others preclude to use these medications in combination.