HIV topic update: protease inhibitor therapy and oral health care.

Protease inhibitors have been a major advance in the management of HIV disease and have reduced the frequency and severity of many complications, including some oral lesions. They may also be of value in the management of occupational exposures to the virus. However, they may produce adverse effects including oral symptoms such as paraesthesia, taste disturbances and xerostomia, and may interact with a number of drugs used in oral health care. This article summarises the current situation.