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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 |
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Serious or potentially life-threatening reactions can occur when ritonavir is taken along with certain drugs. Therefore, do not take ritonavir with alprazolam (Xanax); amiodarone (Cordarone); astemizole (Hismanal); belladonna, phenobarbital, and ergotamine tartrate (Bellergal-S, Bel-Phen-Ergot S, Phenerbel-S); bepridil (Vascor); bromocriptine (Parlodel); bupropion (Wellbutrin); cabergoline (Dostinex); cisapride (Propulsid); clorazepate (Tranxene); clozapine (Clozaril); diazepam (Valium); dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal); disopyramide (Norpace); encainide (Enkaid); ergoloid mesylates (Germinal, Hydergine); ergonovine (Ergotrate Maleate); ergotamine (Cafatine, Cafergot, Cafetrate, others); estazolam (ProSom); flecainide (Tambocor); fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem); flurazepam (Dalmane); meperidine (Demerol); methylergonovine (Methergine); methysergide (Sansert); mexiletine (Mexitil); midazolam (Versed); nefazadone (Serzone); pergolide (Permax); pimozide (Orap); piroxicam (Feldene); propafenone (Rythmol); propoxyphene (Darvon); quinidine; rifabutin (Mycobutin); terfenadine (Seldane); triazolam (Halcion); or zolpidem (Ambien). |
Ritonavir is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It belongs to a class of drugs called protease (pro' tee ace) inhibitors, which slow the spread of HIV infection in the body. It is usually taken with other antiviral medications. Ritonavir is not a cure and may not decrease the number of HIV-related illnesses. Ritonavir does not prevent the spread of HIV to other people.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Ritonavir comes as a capsule and liquid to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 12 hours (twice a day). Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ritonavir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Mix just one dose at a time and take the whole dose within 1 hour of mixing. Rinse the cup after each dose.
Continue to take ritonavir even if you feel well. Do not stop taking ritonavir without talking to your doctor.
Before taking ritonavir,
Take ritonavir with food. Ritonavir liquid may be taken alone or mixed with chocolate milk or the food supplements Ensure or Advera. Do not mix it with any other fluids.
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.
Side effects from ritonavir are common. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Ritonavir may increase the sugar level in your blood. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Keep retonavir capsules and liquid in the refrigerator; do not freeze. The liquid bottle in use can be stored in a cool area for up to 30 days. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to 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
The MedMaster Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2004. All Rights Reserved.
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Page last updated: 04 October 2004 |