Integrase inhibitors are a class of antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV infections. They work by blocking the action of the enzyme integrase, which is essential for the virus to insert its genetic material into the host's DNA. By preventing this integration, integrase inhibitors help reduce the viral load in the body, allowing the immune system to recover. Common examples of integrase inhibitors include raltegravir, elvitegravir, and dolutegravir. These medications are often part of combination therapy, which means they are used alongside other antiretroviral drugs to enhance effectiveness and reduce the risk of drug resistance.