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Saquinavir: Chemical Structure, Mechanism of Action, Uses & Side Effects

sachinkumar244
1 min read

Chemical Formula:

  • C38H50N6O5

Structure of Saquinavir
Structure of Saquinavir

Mechanism of Action:

  • Saquinavir is a protease inhibitor (PI) that works against HIV.

  • PIs inhibit the viral protease enzyme, which is necessary for the cleavage of viral polyprotein precursors into functional proteins.

  • By inhibiting protease, PIs prevent the maturation of new viral particles, reducing viral replication.

Uses:

  • Saquinavir is used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs as part of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for the treatment of HIV infection.

Side Effects:

Some common side effects of saquinavir include:

  • Nausea

  • Diarrhea

  • Abdominal pain

  • Headache

  • Fatigue


Serious side effects may include:

  • Hyperglycemia

  • Lipodystrophy

  • QT interval prolongation

  • Hepatotoxicity


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