2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors

This refers to a combination therapy consisting of two drugs from the class of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). NRTIs are antiretroviral agents used primarily in the treatment of HIV infection and, in some cases, hepatitis B. They act as analogues of natural nucleosides and inhibit HIV reverse transcriptase by causing premature chain termination during viral DNA synthesis. This is achieved after intracellular phosphorylation to their active triphosphate forms, which are then incorporated into viral DNA by the enzyme, halting further elongation due to lack of a necessary 3′-hydroxyl group. The use of two NRTIs forms the backbone of most first-line antiretroviral regimens for HIV[7][8][9]. Commonly used combinations include tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus emtricitabine (Truvada), abacavir plus lamivudine (Epzicom), or lamivudine plus zidovudine (Combivir)[7].

Other names

2 NRTIstwo nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors