Viracept/ Nelfinavir and Diarrhea

Diarrhea continues to be a problem with people living with HIV/AIDS. One of the causes of diarrhea in patients doing well on HAART are the drugs themselves. Nelfinavir/ Viracept is one of those drugs.

In a small study of 24 patients with nelfinavir induced diarrhea calcium supplements reduce the volume and frequency within 48 hours. The patients were given 500 mg BID (twice/day). The supplement used in the study was OsCal, it is likely that any calcium carbonate supplement twice a day will have the same effect. It is also rational to think that calcium might help reduce diarrhea not associated with this drug.

(for more information on management-see diarrhea under nutrition)

Donna Tinnerello, MS, RD, CD/N.

Donna Tinnerello MS, RD,, CD/N is registered dietician with more than 10 years experience in HIV and nutrition. She works at Cabrini Medical Center in lower Manhattan,in private practice and the community.Her subspecialties are cardiovascular, renal, and gastrointestinal disease, diabetes and weight loss. Donna is available for private consultation by referral only.