Ritonavir
Generic Name:
Ritonavir
Brand Names:
Norvir
Ritonavir is present alongside Lopinavir in the combination medication known as Kaletra.
Ritonavir Description:
Ritonavir belongs to a class of medications known as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitors. The medication is used to treat patients who have been infected by the virus.
HIV is a potentially life-threatening virus that attacks the lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that help the body fight off dangerous bacteria and infection. Ritonavir helps prevent the progression of the infection by inhibiting a key enzyme in HIV reproduction and thwarting the spread of the virus amongst cells.
Ritonavir will not prevent the transmission of HIV. Patients undergoing treatment with ritonavir should be aware that they can still pass the virus on to others through unprotected sex or the sharing of needles.
Ritonavir Side Effects:
The most common side effects of ritonavir include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain
- Taste changes
- Numbness or tingling
- Headache
- Dizziness
For more information, see our ritonavir side effects page.
Ritonavir Uses:
Ritonavir is used alongside other medications to treat children and adults who have been infected by HIV. The medication is used to prevent or prolong the onset of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), which can lead to a variety of fatal complications.
Ritonavir Interactions:
The following medications and herbs should not be used in conjunction with Norvir:
- Alfuzosin hydrochloride (Uroxatral)
- Amiodarone (Cordarone)
- Astemizole (Hismanal)
- Bepridil (Vascor)
- Cisapride (Propulsid)
- Dihydroergotamine
- Erectile dysfunction medications
- Ergotamine
- Ergonovine
- Flecainide (Tambocor)
- Lovastatin (Mevacor)
- Methylergonovine
- Midazolam (Versed)
- Pimozide (Orap)
- Propafenone (Rythmol)
- Quinidine
- Sildenafil (Revatio)
- Simvastatin (Zocor)
- St. John’s wort
- Terfenadine (Seldane)
- Triazolam (Halcion)
- Voriconazole (Vfend)
Also tell your doctor if you are using any of the following medications, as they may cause additional interactions:
- Advair
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- Birth control medicines
- Didanosine (Videx)
- Disulfiram
- Erectile dysfunction medications
- Flonase
- Metronidazole
- Rifabutin (Mycobutin)
- Rifampin
- Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
- Salmeterol (Serevent)
- Saquinavir
Ritonavir may interact with other medications or substances that are not listed above. In order to avoid potentially hazardous interactions, patients should talk with their doctor about the use of any other medicines, vitamins or supplements before beginning treatment with ritonavir.
Ritonavir Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Ritonavir dosages may vary among patients. Your doctor will establish the size and frequency of your dosage according to your individual needs. Patients should follow the dosage guidelines set by their doctor.
Ritonavir is available in the form of an oral tablet or solution and should be taken with food. Adult patients using ritonavir oral tablets generally take a twice-daily dosage of six 100 mg pills. Adult patients using ritonavir oral solution usually take a twice-daily dosage of 7.5 mL.
Ritonavir dosages for children are generally determined according to individual body weight.
Patients should not stop taking ritonavir without first speaking with their doctor.
Missing a Dose of Ritonavir
It is very important to take Norvir exactly as prescribed. HIV can spread quickly, even when medication is stopped for a brief period of time.
If you forget to take a dose of Norvir, take is as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosage schedule. Do not take a double dose of this medication to compensate for a missed dose.
Ritonavir Overdose
Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they have taken too much of this medication.
Ritonavir FDA Approval:
March 1, 1996
Ritonavir Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Black Box Warning
Ritonavir carries a black box warning informing consumers and health care professionals about the dangerous risks associated with ritonavir when used in conjunction with other medications. Ritonavir should not be administered in combination with certain antihistamines, sedatives, antiarrhythmics or ergot alkaloids, as the combined use of such medications carries risks of severe complications and potential fatality.
Recalls
In 2004, TXRX recalled certain lots of the ritonavir-containing medication known as Kaletra because some of the products may have been counterfeit. The actions constituted a Class II recall.
In 2008, Cardinal Health Care recalled certain lots of the ritonavir-containing medication known as Norvir because the products may have been subjected to abnormal temperatures. The actions constituted a Class III recall.
-
September 7, 2010, 9:59 am
-
September 2, 2010, 12:51 pm
-
September 1, 2010, 3:16 pm
-
August 31, 2010, 2:01 pm
