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HIV/AIDS Medications

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Obtaining medication at the clinic is time-consuming: doors open 07:00, dispensing starts 14:00. Patients attend monthly to collect medicines. High demand contributes to crowding and prolonged waiting times.

Medication • Use • Nutrition-Related Side Effects

Medication Use  Nutrition-Related Side Effects
Antibiotic nebulizer (on admission)
e.g., tobramycin or colistin via nebulizer
 Inhaled antibiotic for lower respiratory tract infection at admission; drug/device per prescriber.
  • GI / appetite: nausea, altered taste (dysgeusia), reduced appetite.
  • Hydration: cough/sputum may raise fluid needs; encourage small, frequent fluids.
Aciclovir (acyclovir)
Antiviral for HSV/VZV suppression in HIV
 Inhibits viral DNA polymerase to reduce herpes reactivation and morbidity.
  • GI: nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain; taking with food can improve tolerance.
  • Hepatic enzymes: may elevate; adjust nutrition plan if nausea limits intake.
  • Hydration: maintain adequate fluids.
Atroiza/Atripla (EFV/FTC/TDF)
Fixed-dose ART (EFV = NNRTI; FTC/TDF = NRTIs)
 Suppresses HIV replication (reverse-transcriptase inhibition) to reduce viral load and preserve immune function.
  • GI / appetite: dyspepsia, nausea, abdominal pain; evening dosing may help EFV-related nausea.
  • Metabolic: dyslipidemia (EFV), possible glucose effects; reinforce heart-healthy diet.
  • Taste / weight: occasional dysgeusia; monitor weight and protein–energy intake.
Clexane (enoxaparin)
Low-molecular-weight heparin anticoagulant
 Prevention/treatment of thromboembolism during hospitalization or immobility.
  • Anemia risk: bleeding can reduce hemoglobin—watch fatigue and intake.
  • Appetite: injection-site discomfort may transiently reduce appetite.
Pyridoxine (vitamin B6)
Co-prescribed with isoniazid to prevent neuropathy
 Replenishes B6 to offset isoniazid-related depletion and lower neuropathy risk.
  • GI: occasional nausea/abdominal discomfort at higher doses—take with food.
  • High-dose risk: sensory neuropathy (rare; dose-related) that may affect eating mechanics.
Rifinah (rifampicin/isoniazid) — typical 6-month course*
Part of standard TB regimen; durations vary by protocol
 Rifampicin inhibits RNA polymerase; isoniazid inhibits mycolic-acid synthesis (bactericidal vs rapidly dividing TB).
  • GI / appetite: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite—small, frequent, energy-dense meals.
  • Taste: metallic taste/dysgeusia—use flavor enhancers and cold foods if helpful.
  • Hepatic: hepatotoxicity risk—monitor intake if nausea limits protein/energy.
Ferrous sulfate (FeSO4)
Oral iron for iron-deficiency anemia
 Repletes iron stores and corrects iron-deficiency anemia.
  • GI: constipation, dark stools, nausea; consider alternate-day dosing if advised.
  • Absorption: vitamin C may enhance; avoid concurrent calcium/tea/coffee/high-phytate foods.
  • Appetite: transient reduction—pair dosing with tolerated snacks.

*Typical drug-susceptible TB therapy ≈ 2 months RIPE + 4 months INH/RIF (local protocols may vary). This table summarizes nutrition-relevant effects; it does not replace prescribing information.

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Updated October 23, 2025
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