Test tube studies have shown that nevirapine (BI-RG-587) inhibits replication (reproduction) of HIV. Nevirapine works with zidovudine (AZT) and is active against strains of the virus that are resistant to AZT. Studies of the drug in HIV-infected adults showed no serious adverse effects.~Two doses, given by mouth, are evaluated: Three patients receive the lower dose, and 7 days after the third patient receives the lower dose, three additional patients receive the higher dose. After dosing, blood is drawn at 1, 2, 4, 8, 24, 48, 96, 168 hours to measure blood levels of the drug.
To generate initial information on the pharmacokinetics (blood levels) and dose proportionality of nevirapine (BI-RG-587) plasma levels in HIV-infected children; to assess the safety and tolerance of single rising oral doses of nevirapine in HIV-infected children; and to confirm that the single doses that achieve certain plasma levels in adults achieve similar levels in HIV-infected children.~Test tube studies have shown that nevirapine (BI-RG-587) inhibits replication (reproduction) of HIV. Nevirapine works with zidovudine (AZT) and is active against strains of the virus that are resistant to AZT. Studies of the drug in HIV-infected adults showed no serious adverse effects.