Ritonavir is an antiretroviral indicated for the treatment of HIV infection in adults or children, used in combination with other antiretrovirals, to prevent the replication of the HIV virus in the body.
This medicine is provided free of charge by the SUS in the form of a 100 mg ritonavir tablet, which can also be found in combination with lopinavir, under the trade name Kaletra.
Ritonavir does not cure HIV, but it prevents its replication, preventing the emergence of AIDS. It should be used with the advice of an infectious disease specialist, and with regular medical consultations to assess the viral load.
What is it for
Ritonavir is indicated for the treatment of HIV infection in adults or children over 1 month of age, as long as they are able to swallow the tablet, and is associated with other antiretrovirals.
Lopinavir + ritonavir can be used from 6 months onwards, in the form of an oral solution or tablets.
The use of antiretrovirals must be carried out with the advice of an infectious disease specialist and with regular medical monitoring and blood tests that measure viral load..
If you want to be monitored by an infectious disease specialist, make an appointment in the nearest region:
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How to use
Ritonavir should be taken orally and following the recommendations of the infectious disease specialist.
1. Ritonavir 100 mg tablet
The 100 mg ritonavir tablet should be taken whole, without breaking, crushing or chewing, and preferably taken with a meal.
The dosage of ritonavir varies with age, and includes:
- Adults: the recommended starting dose is 300 mg (3 tablets), twice a day, for 3 days. This dose must be increased by the doctor in increments of 100 mg per dose, until reaching the maximum dose of 600 mg (6 tablets), twice a day, for a period of time that should not exceed 14 days. The maximum daily dose is 1200 mg per day;
- Children over 1 month old, able to swallow the tablet: The recommended initial dose is 250 mg per square meter of body surface, twice a day, and increased by the doctor at intervals of 2 to 3 days in increments of 50 mg per square meter of body surface, twice a day, until reaching a dose of 350 to 400 mg per square meter of body surface, twice a day.
Ritonavir is generally used together with other HIV medicines, as it enhances their effects. Learn more about HIV and AIDS.
Doses may vary according to each person, so it is very important to follow all instructions from the infectious disease specialist.
2. Ritonavir + lopinavir oral solution
Ritonavir 20 mg/mL + lopinavir 80 mg/mL can be used by adults or children over 6 months of age, and taken with a meal.
The dosage of ritonavir + lopinavir varies with age, including:
- Adults: the normally recommended dose is 5 mL of the solution, which corresponds to 400 mg of lopinavir and 100 mg of ritonavir, twice a day. This dose can be modified by the doctor when its use is associated with other antiretrovirals such as efavirenz, nevirapine, amprenavir or nelfinavir;
- Children over 6 months up to 12 years: The doses of ritonavir + lopinavir oral solution must be calculated by the doctor according to the child’s age and weight or body surface area.
The ritonavir + lopinavir solution contains alcohol and propylene glycol in its composition and should be used under medical supervision by children to avoid poisoning by these substances.
3. Ritonavir + lopinavir tablet
Lopinavir 200 mg + ritonavir 50 mg in tablet form can also be used by adults or children over 6 months who are able to swallow the tablet, which can be taken before or after a meal.
The dosage of the ritonavir + lopinavir tablet is:
- Adults: the normally recommended dose is 2 tablets of 200mg/50mg (lopinavir/ritonavir), twice a day. In cases of previous treatments or less than three mutations associated with lopinavir, the doctor may recommend a dose of 4 tablets of 200mg/50mg (lopinavir/ritonavir), twice a day;
- Children over 6 months, able to swallow the tablet: The doses must be calculated by the doctor according to the child’s body surface.
The use of the lopinavir + ritonavir tablet can be used in combination with other medicines for the treatment of HIV, in doses recommended by the infectious disease specialist.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects of ritonavir are changes in blood tests, hives, headache, dizziness, insomnia, anxiety, confusion, blurred vision, changes in blood pressure, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, excess gas, acne and pain. in the joints.
Furthermore, ritonavir also reduces the absorption of some oral contraceptives and, therefore, if you are being treated with this medicine, it is very important to use another contraceptive method to avoid a possible unwanted pregnancy.
Who shouldn’t take
Ritonavir should not be used by people who are allergic to any component of the formula.
Furthermore, ritonavir can also interact with the effects of various types of medications and, therefore, its use should always be guided and evaluated by a doctor.
