Critical Care Pharmacology of Antiretroviral Therapy in Adults

Abstract

The clinical pharmacology of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in critical care presents unique challenges due to the complex interplay between HIV infection, critical illness, and drug management. This comprehensive review examines the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations of antiretroviral drugs in critically ill patients, where altered absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion significantly impact drug effectiveness and safety. Critical illness can substantially modify drug pharmacokinetics through various mechanisms, including impaired gastrointestinal motility, fluid shifts, hypoalbuminemia, hepatic dysfunction, and altered renal function. These changes, combined with potential drug-drug interactions in the polypharmacy environment of intensive care units, necessitate careful consideration of dosing strategies and monitoring approaches. The review addresses specific challenges in various critical care scenarios, including management of ART in patients with organ dysfunction, during renal replacement therapy, and in special populations such as those with sepsis or acute respiratory distress syndrome. It also explores the role of therapeutic drug monitoring in optimizing antiretroviral therapy and managing drug toxicities in critical care settings. Emerging areas of research, including long-acting formulations, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, and personalized medicine approaches, are discussed as potential future directions for improving ART management in critical care. The review emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving critical care physicians, infectious disease specialists, and clinical pharmacists to optimize outcomes in this complex patient population. This review provides clinicians with practical guidance for managing ART in critically ill patients while highlighting areas requiring further research to enhance our understanding and improve patient care in this challenging setting.