Efavirenz, USP is an HIV-1 specific, non-nucleoside, reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). Efavirenz is chemically described as(S)-6-chloro-4-(cyclopropylethynyl)-1,4-dihydro4(trifluoromethyl)-2H-3,1-benzoxazin-2-one. Its empirical formula is C 14 H 9 ClF 3 NO 2 and its structural formula is: Efavirenz,USP is a white to slightly pink crystalline powder with a molecular mass of 315.68. It is practically insoluble in water (<10 microgram/mL). Tablets : Efavirenz USP is available as film-coated tablets for oral administration containing 600 mg of efavirenz and the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and sodium lauryl sulfate. The film coating contains Opadry Yellow,consisting of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol and iron oxide yellow. efavirenz-structure

What kind of drug is efavirenz?

The FDA classifies efavirenz as a human immunodeficiency virus 1 non-nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.

Can you take efavirenz with other medicines?

It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run efavirenz against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.

What brand names is efavirenz sold under?

We track 2 efavirenz-containing products in the U.S.: Sustiva and Efavirenz. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.

What forms does efavirenz come in?

Across the brands we track, efavirenz is currently marketed as capsule and tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Is there a generic efavirenz?

Yes. Our catalog lists 1 generic efavirenz product alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.

Efavirenz: uses, dosing, side effects & brands

Q: What kind of drug is efavirenz?

The FDA classifies efavirenz as a human immunodeficiency virus 1 non-nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.

Q: Can you take efavirenz with other medicines?

It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run efavirenz against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.

Q: What brand names is efavirenz sold under?

We track 2 efavirenz-containing products in the U.S.: Sustiva and Efavirenz. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.

Q: What forms does efavirenz come in?

Across the brands we track, efavirenz is currently marketed as capsule and tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Q: Is there a generic efavirenz?

Yes. Our catalog lists 1 generic efavirenz product alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.

Efavirenz is a human immunodeficiency virus 1 non-nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor sold in the U.S. under 2 brand and generic names, for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.

By the pharmaranks editorial teamReviewed against the FDA (openFDA label, NDC Directory & Enforcement) sourcesHow we research

Key facts

Drug class: Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 Non-Nucleoside Analog Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor
Treats: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Available as: Capsule · Tablet
Sold as: 2 products — Sustiva and Efavirenz
Prescription?: Prescription only
Generic available?: Yes
Typical price: about $42 for a 30-count supply

How efavirenz is dosed

From the FDA label for Sustiva (application NDA021360). Other efavirenz products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.

2 DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION • Efavirenz should be taken orally once daily on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime. ( 2 ) • Recommended adult dose: 600 mg. ( 2.2 ) • With rifampin, increase efavirenz dose to 800 mg once daily for patients weighing 50 kg or more. ( 2.2 ) • Pediatric dosing is based on weight. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Hepatic Function Monitor hepatic function prior to and during treatment with efavirenz [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 ) ]. Efavirenz is not recommended in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child Pugh B or C) [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 ) and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 ) ]. 2.2 Adults The recommended dosage of efavirenz is 600 mg orally, once daily, in combination with a protease inhibitor and/or nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). It is recommended that efavirenz be taken on an empty stomach, preferably at bedtime. The increased efavirenz concentrations observed following administration of efavirenz with food may lead to an increase in frequency of adverse reactions [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Dosing at bedtime may improve the tolerability of nervous system symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 ), and Patient Counseling Information ( 17 )]. Efavirenz capsules or tablets should be swallowed intact with liquid. Concomitant Antiretroviral Therapy…

Efavirenz side effects

The most significant adverse reactions observed in patients treated with efavirenz are: •psychiatric symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )], •nervous system symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )], •rash [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )]. •hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Most common adverse reactions (>5%, moderate-severe) are impaired concentration, abnormal dreams, rash, dizziness, nausea, headache, fatigue, insomnia, and vomiting.( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Macleods Pharmaceutical Ltd at 1-888-943-3210 or 1-855-926-3384 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, the adverse reaction rates reported cannot be directly compared to rates in other clinical studies and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. Adverse Reactions in Adults. The most common (>5% in either efavirenz treatment group) adverse reactions of at least moderate severity among patients in Study 006 treated with efavirenz in combination with zidovudine/lamivudine or indinavir were rash, dizziness, nausea, headache, fatigue, insomnia, and vomiting Selected clinical adverse reactions of moderate or severe intensity observed in ≥2% of efavirenz-treated patients in two controlled clinical trials are presented in Table 2…

Every efavirenz product we track (2)

Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.

Efavirenz products
#	Drug	Rating	Type	Form	Generic?	Typical price
1	Sustiva	72/100	Prescription	Capsule	Generic	$42	View →
2	Efavirenz	Not yet rated	Prescription	Capsule	Generic	$42

What efavirenz pills look like

Imprint codes, colour and shape from the FDA’s labelling data. Match the imprint on your pill — or search any imprint.

Efavirenz pill imprints
Imprint	Strength	Colour	Shape	Maker
I48	600 mg / 200 mg / 300 mg	white	oval	—
H;128	600 mg / 200 mg / 300 mg	white	capsule	—
LA36	600 mg / 200 mg / 300 mg	pink	capsule	—
TV;C72	600 mg / 200 mg / 300 mg	pink	oval	—
CL301	600 mg	yellow	capsule	—
I48

Combination products containing efavirenz

A combination is a different drug — different dosing, different warnings. It is listed here so you can find it, not so you can substitute it.

Frequently asked questions

What is efavirenz?: Efavirenz, USP is an HIV-1 specific, non-nucleoside, reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). Efavirenz is chemically described as(S)-6-chloro-4-(cyclopropylethynyl)-1,4-dihydro4(trifluoromethyl)-2H-3,1-benzoxazin-2-one. Its empirical formula is C 14 H 9 ClF 3 NO 2 and its structural formula is: Efavirenz,USP is a white to slightly pink crystalline powder with a molecular mass of 315.68. It is practically insoluble in water (<10 microgram/mL). Tablets : Efavirenz USP is available as film-coated tablets for oral administration containing 600 mg of efavirenz and the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and sodium lauryl sulfate. The film coating contains Opadry Yellow,consisting of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol and iron oxide yellow. efavirenz-structure
What kind of drug is efavirenz?: The FDA classifies efavirenz as a human immunodeficiency virus 1 non-nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.
Can you take efavirenz with other medicines?: It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run efavirenz against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.
What brand names is efavirenz sold under?: We track 2 efavirenz-containing products in the U.S.: Sustiva and Efavirenz. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.
What forms does efavirenz come in?: Across the brands we track, efavirenz is currently marketed as capsule and tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.