Delavirdine binds directly to viral reverse transcriptase (RT) and blocks the RNA-dependent and DNA-dependent DNA polymerase activities by disrupting the enzyme's catalytic site. (en)
Delavirdine is extensively converted to several inactive metabolites by cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A). Delavirdine was excreted in the milk of lactating rats at a concentration three to five times that of rat plasma. (en)
Major toxicity of delavirdine is rash and should be advised to promptly notify their physician should rash occur. The majority of rashes associated with delavirdine occur within 1 to 3 weeks after initiating treatment with delavirdine. The rash normally resolves in 3 to 14 days and may be treated symptomatically while therapy with delavirdine is continued. Any patient experiencing severe rash or rash accompanied by symptoms such as fever, blistering, oral lesions, conjunctivitis, swelling, muscle or joint aches should discontinue medication and consult a physician. (en)