Ritonavir
General English name: Ritonavir
Brand: Norvir, Kaletra
Application: Treatment of immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in adults and children over 2 years
Ritonavir drug forms
Combination brand containing ritonavir
Ritonavir Drug Information
Dosage and method of taking ritonavir
Contraindications to the use of ritonavir.
Ritonavir during pregnancy and lactation
The effect of ritonavir on driving and working with machines
Ritonavir drug interactions
Special warnings and precautions while taking ritonavir
Side effects of ritonavir
Overuse of ritonavir (drug poisoning
Storage conditions of ritonavir
Ritonavir drug forms
Tablets, sachets (powder), oral solution medicine
Combination brand containing ritonavir
Kaletra: Ritonavir and lupinavir
Ritonavir Drug Information
Ritonavir is an antiviral drug. It is used for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and slows the progression of HIV infection, but ritonavir is not used to treat HIV. HIV kills CD4 T cells in the body. These are important white blood cells because they play a role in protecting the body against infection. If left untreated, HIV weakens the body's immune system, so that the body can not defend itself against bacteria, viruses and other germs.
Ritonavir belongs to a group of protease inhibitors (PIS). It is prescribed, along with a number of other antiviral drugs, as part of combination therapy. Taking three or more antiretroviral drugs at the same time is more effective than taking a single drug. Combined use of different drugs reduces the risk of developing resistance to any of these drugs. One brand of ritonavir (Kaletra) contains another antiretroviral drug called lupinavir, more information about this drug can be found on a separate page called lupinavir / ritonavir.
Ritonavir slows the progression of HIV infection by reducing the number of viruses in the body. It helps to improve the immune system and reduces the risk of developing complications associated with HIV infection. Ritonavir will be prescribed by a specialist doctor.
Dosage and method of taking ritonavir
Carefully read the package leaflet before starting treatment with ritonavir. This brochure will help you to get comprehensive information about the drug and its possible side effects.
The dose and amount of ritonavir varies from person to person; Use the medicine exactly as your doctor advised. It is usually given as 6 tablets twice a day in high doses and 1-2 tablets twice a day in low doses, which should be taken 12 hours apart. If you have been prescribed a high dose of this medicine, you should take 3 tablets twice a day for the first 3 days and then 6 tablets twice a day for two weeks.
The dose of this medicine is prescribed for children according to their weight and you should pay attention to the doctor's prescription to use this medicine.
Ritonavir powder or syrup is prescribed for children.
Try to take your doses at the same time each day and at the regular hour.
Ritonavir tablets should be taken after a meal or snack. Swallow the tablet with some water.
If you forget to take your daily dose of ritonavir at the right time but soon forget to take it; But if you remember when the next dose is near the hour, do not take the missed dose. You should not take two doses of the medicine together because of the missed dose.
Contraindications to the use of ritonavir.
Note the expiration date of the retonavir drug and do not take it if it has expired.
Never give ritonavir to another person, even if you have the same symptoms.
Check for drug interactions, and if you are taking a drug that interacts with this medication, talk to your doctor about using your medications.
Ritonavir during pregnancy and lactation
During pregnancy and lactation, you should not use the drug arbitrarily and without consulting your doctor. Medications can have devastating effects on the fetus or on yourself.
The effect of ritonavir on driving and working with machines
Ritonavir can make you dizzy and drowsy, so make sure you are alert before driving or operating machinery.
Ritonavir drug interactions
Drug interactions may alter drug performance and increase the risk of serious side effects. Make a list of all the medicines (including prescription / over-the-counter and herbal medicines) you use and share them with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not change the dose of your medicine without consulting your doctor or stop taking the medicine.
Some medications that may interact with ritonavir include cubicistat, orlistat, and disulfiram.
Drugs that affect the removal of ritonavir from the body and thus affect the function of this drug include: Bosperovir, Rifampins, St. John's wort.
Ritonavir can slow the elimination of other drugs from the body and affect their function. Examples of affected drugs include benzodiazepines, azole antifungals such as vriconazole, alfuzosin, blood thinners (warfarin and rivaroxaban), specific drugs for the treatment of ED erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension (sildenafil and vardenafil), some drugs. Cholesterol treatment drugs (lovastatin, simvastatin), specific analgesics (phenanthyl, meperidine), pimozide, renolazine, salmeterol, simpervir, lorazidone.
Ritonavir may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives such as pills, patches, or rings. This can lead to pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about a reliable way to control pregnancy, and use an effective method (latex condom or polyurethane) throughout your sexual activity to reduce the risk of spreading HIV to others. Talk to your doctor if you have severe spotting or bleeding, as this may be a sign that your hormonal pregnancy control is not working well.
Special warnings and precautions while taking ritonavir
Some medications may not be prescribed under certain conditions, and some medications may be prescribed if additional treatment is needed; Therefore, it is best to let your doctor know the following before taking this medicine:
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or breast-feeding your baby.
- If you have diabetes mellitus.
- If you have been told that you have a heart rhythm disorder.
- If you have hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) or liver disease.
- If you have inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- If you have a blood disorder called haemophilia or a disease called porphyria (a rare inherited blood disease).
- If you are taking certain medications. These medicines include all the medicines available, whether you are prescribed them or taking them without a doctor's prescription, such as herbal medicines and complementary medicines.
- If you have a history of an allergic reaction to another medicine.
Side effects of ritonavir
All medications can cause side effects. But many consumers also do not experience any side effects. Some of the side effects go away shortly after taking the medicine. In case of persistent side effects, the physician should be informed.
Diarrhea
Indigestion, abdominal pain, nausea, feeling sick, bloating: Drink plenty of water to replenish lost water; Eat simple foods and avoid spicy and high-fat foods.
Dizziness, drowsiness and fatigue: Avoid driving and working with tools in these situations.
Headache, muscle aches and back pain: Ask your doctor to prescribe a suitable painkiller.
Cough, throat infection, change in food taste, hot flashes, skin rash, burning sensation: Consult your doctor if any of these conditions become a problem.
Consult your doctor if you have any other symptoms that you feel may be due to the use of ritonavir.
Overuse of ritonavir (drug poisoning)
Do not take Ritonavir more than the dose prescribed by your doctor.
If you feel that someone has been poisoned and you have symptoms such as shortness of breath, fainting and weakness (fainting), call the emergency room immediately.
Storage conditions of ritonavir
Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.
Store the medicine in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.