Clinical considerations and pharmacokinetic interactions between HIV and tuberculosis therapeutics.

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading infectious disease cause of mortality worldwide, especially for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH). Treating TB in PLWH can be challenging due to numerous drug interactions.

Areas covered: This review discusses drug interactions between antitubercular and antiretroviral drugs. Due to its clinical importance, initiation of antiretroviral therapy in patients requiring TB treatment is discussed. Special focus is placed on the rifamycin class, as it accounts for the majority of interactions. Clinically relevant guidance is provided on how to manage these interactions. An additional section on utilizing therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) to optimize drug exposure and minimize toxicities is included.

Expert opinion: Antitubercular and antiretroviral coadministration can be successfully managed. TDM can be used to optimize drug exposure and minimize toxicity risk. As new TB and HIV drugs are discovered, additional research will be needed to assess for clinically relevant drug interactions.