Nelfinavir

Generic name: nelfinavir [ nel-FIN-a-veer ]
Brand name: Viracept
Dosage form: oral tablet (250 mg; 625 mg)
Drug class:Protease inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 11, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is nelfinavir?

Nelfinavir is an antiviral medicine that is used to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). HIV can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Nelfinavir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Nelfinavir is for use in adults and children at least 2 years old.

Nelfinavir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines. Some drugs should not be used with nelfinavir.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use nelfinavir if you are allergic to it, or if you have moderate or severe liver disease.

Some drugs should not be used with nelfinavir. Your treatment plan may change if you also use:

• alfuzosin;

• cisapride;

• rifampin;

• sildenafil (Revatio for pulmonary arterial hypertension);

• St. John's wort;

• amiodarone or quinidine;

• lovastatin or simvastatin;

• lurasidone, pimozide;

• oral midazolam, or triazolam; or

• ergot medicine--dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergonovine, methylergonovine.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;

• kidney disease;

• diabetes; or

• a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia.

Nelfinavir oral powder contains phenylalanine and could be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

To prevent HIV in a newborn baby, use all medications to control your infection during pregnancy. Your name may be listed on an antiviral pregnancy registry.

Nelfinavir can make hormonal