What is the classification of Raltegravir (Isentress)?

Raltegravir (Isentress) is classified as an integrase inhibitor, which specifically targets the integrase enzyme necessary for the integration of viral DNA into the host cell's genome during the replication cycle of HIV. By inhibiting this enzyme, Raltegravir effectively prevents the HIV virus from establishing a permanent presence in the host's DNA, which is crucial for viral replication.

This mechanism of action distinguishes integrase inhibitors from other classes of antiretroviral drugs. Protease inhibitors, for example, work by inhibiting the protease enzyme, which is involved in the maturation of viral particles, while reverse transcriptase inhibitors target the reverse transcriptase enzyme responsible for converting viral RNA into DNA. Entry inhibitors work at an earlier stage, blocking the virus from entering the host cells altogether. Each of these drug classes has a unique target within the HIV life cycle, underscoring the important role that integrase inhibitors like Raltegravir play in HIV treatment regimens.