What is "nevirapine"

n. A non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used to treat HIV and AIDS.

n. a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (trade name Viramune) used to treat AIDS and HIV [syn: Viramune]

Nevirapine (NVP), marketed under the trade name Viramune, is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) used to treat HIV-1 infection and AIDS. As with other antiretroviral drugs, HIV rapidly develops resistance if nevirapine is used alone, so recommended therapy consists of combinations of three or more antiretrovirals.

It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most important medication needed in a basic health system.