Information about Lopinavir and Ritonavir
Generic Name : Lopinavir and RitonavirUp-to-date prescription details regarding Lopinavir and Ritonavir are provided here.
Pronunciation : loe pin' a veer- ri toe' na veer
Learn the correct pronunciation of the Lopinavir and Ritonavir, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.
ICD Code : Y41.5 Therapeutic Classification : Antiretroviral Agents
Trade Names/Brand Names of Lopinavir and Ritonavir
India :
•Kaletra •Aluvia •Emletra •Lopimune •Ritocom •Ritomax-L •V-letra
Why is Lopinavir and Ritonavir Prescribed? (Indications)
This combination medication contains antiretroviral agents, prescribed for HIV-1 infection for adults and children aged above 14 days.It works by decreasing the amount of HIV in the blood by blocking a vital enzyme named protease required for viral multiplication.
Update:
• Ritonavir+ Lopinavir combination is claimed to treat patients with COVID-19.
• New clinical trial ‘’The Efficacy of Lopinavir Plus Ritonavir and Arbidol Against Novel Coronavirus Infection (ELACOI)’’ was started in February 2020 to know the effectiveness of the combination for treating COVID-19.
• Another trial sponsored by Asan Medical Center, launched in March 2020 is comparing Lopinavir/Ritonavir with Hydroxychloroquine for treating patients with mild coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
When should Lopinavir and Ritonavir not be taken? (Contraindications)
The combination is contraindicated in:• Patients using statins or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors for high cholesterol.
• Patients with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the combination or its ingredients.
What is the dosage of Lopinavir and Ritonavir?
The combination is available in two dosage forms:Tablets and oral solution
•The total recommended daily dose is 800/200 mg given once or twice daily for adults
•Once-daily dosing regimens should not be used in patients using carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin, efavirenz, nevirapine, or nelfinavir.
How should Lopinavir and Ritonavir be taken?
•It comes as a tablet to be taken by mouth, with or without food.•Oral solution should be taken with food.
What are the warnings and precautions for Lopinavir and Ritonavir?
• Caution should be exercised in patients with a history of QT prolongation, irregular heartbeat, decrease in blood minerals, hemophilia, high cholesterol, swelling of the pancreas, heart or liver disease, any allergy, who are taking other medications, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.• Monitor cholesterol and triglyceride levels, viral load, and liver function regularly while taking this medication.
• It does not stop the spread of infection to others; avoid sexual contact, sharing of needles, injection supplies.
What are the side effects of Lopinavir and Ritonavir?
Most Common - Diarrhea.Gastrointestinal - Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, indigestion, flatulence.
General - Weakness.
Metabolic- Decreased weight and appetite.
Musculoskeletal - Muscle pain.
Central Nervous System - Headache, tingling, sleeplessness, depression, libido decreased.
Skin - Rash.
Heart - Dilatation of blood vessels.
What are the other precautions for Lopinavir and Ritonavir?
• Oral solution should not be used in preterm neonates in the immediate postnatal period due to possible side effects.• Patients may develop new-onset of hyperglycemia or high blood glucose.
