MedlinePlus Drug Information: Lopinavir and Ritonavir

Skip navigation


Other drug names:	A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9

Lopinavir and Ritonavir

(loe pin' a veer) (ri toe' na veer)

Brand name(s): Kaletra

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow?	What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? What other information should I know?

Why is this medication prescribed?

The combination of lopinavir and ritonavir is used with other antiviral medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Lopinavir is in a class of medications called protease (pro' tee ace) inhibitors. It works by slowing the spread of HIV in the body. In this combination, ritonavir is used to increase the amount of lopinavir in the body so it can work better. Lopinavir and ritonavir is not a cure and may not decrease the number of HIV-related illnesses. Lopinavir and ritonavir does not prevent the spread of HIV to other people.

How should this medicine be used?

The combination of lopinavir and ritonavir comes as a capsule and a solution (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day with food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take lopinavir and ritonavir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take lopinavir and ritonavir even if you feel well. Do not stop taking lopinavir and ritonavir without talking to your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking lopinavir and ritonavir,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to lopinavir, ritonavir (Norvir), or any other medications.
do not take lopinavir and ritonavir if you are taking astemizole (Hismanal), cisapride (Propulsid), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), ergonovine (Ergotrate Maleate), ergotamine (Cafatine, Cafergot, Cafetrate, others), flecainide (Tambocor), methylergonovine (Methergine), midazolam (Versed), pimozide (Orap), propafenone (Rythmol), terfenadine (Seldane), or triazolam (Halcion).
tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants (''blood thinners'') such as warfarin (Coumadin); antifungals such as itraconazole (Sporanox) and ketoconazole (Nizoral); atovaquone (Mepron); calcium-channel blockers such as felodipine (Plendil), nicardipine (Cardene), and nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia); cholesterol-lowering medications such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor), and simvastatin (Zocor); clarithromycin (Biaxin); disulfiram (Antabuse); medications for irregular heartbeats such as amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), bepridil (Vascor), and quinidine (Quinidex); medications for seizures such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), and phenytoin (Dilantin); medications that suppress the immune system such as cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), Rapamune (sirolimus), and tacrolimus (Prograf); methadone (Dolophine); metronidazole (Flagyl); oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone); other antiviral medications such as amprenavir (Agenerase), delavirdine (Rescriptor), efavirenz (Sustiva), indinavir (Crixivan), nevirapine (Viramune), ritonavir (Norvir), and saquinavir (Fortovase, Invirase); rifabutin (Mycobutin); rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane); and sildenafil (Viagra). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
if you are taking didanosine, take it 1 hour before or 2 hours after lopinavir and ritonavir.
tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially products containing St. John's wort.
tell your doctor if you have ever had pancreas disease and if you have or have ever had diabetes, liver disease, or hemophilia.
you should know that lopinavir and ritonavir may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives (birth control pills). Talk to your doctor about using another form of birth control.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking lopinavir and ritonavir, call your doctor. You should not breast-feed while taking lopinavir and ritonavir.
you should know that lopinavir and ritonavir solution contains alcohol and may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.
you should be aware that your body fat may increase or move to different areas of your body, such as your breasts and your upper back.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Lopinavir and ritonavir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

diarrhea
weakness
heartburn
headache
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
rash

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

upset stomach
vomiting
stomach pain
unusual bleeding or bruising
extreme tiredness
loss of appetite
pain in the upper right part of the stomach
yellowing of the skin or eyes
flu-like symptoms

Lopinavir and ritonavir may cause high blood sugar. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

thirst
dry mouth
tiredness
flushing
dry skin
frequent urination
loss of appetite
trouble breathing

Lopinavir and ritonavir may cause increases in levels of cholesterol and other fats (triglycerides) in the blood.

Lopinavir and ritonavir may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. If you store lopinavir and ritonavir capsules or solution in the refrigerator, they can be used until the expiration date printed on the label. If you store them at room temperature, the capsules or solution should be used within 2 months. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to lopinavir and ritonavir.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer