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What is Ritonavir
RitonavirThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryRitonavir is a medication used to treat HIV infection by blocking the reproductive cycle of the virus. It is commonly used in combination with other protease inhibitors, such as lopinavir and atazanavir, to boost their effectiveness. It is available in liquid and capsule form. Ritonavir is also used in combination with other drugs to treat genotype 1a, 1b, and 4 chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, with or without cirrhosis. It is found in the FDA-approved products Viekira Pak and Technivie, as well as the Health Canada-approved product
Kaletrais the brand name
Ritonavir Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Kaletra
Ritonavir
2000
50
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Ritonavir, also called Kaletra, is approved by the FDA for 1 uses which include HIV .HIV
Used to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) Infection in combination with null
Effectiveness
How Ritonavir Affects PatientsRitonavir is a medication used to treat HIV-1. It stops HIV from being able to cut itself into pieces, which stops the virus from reproducing and spreading. Ritonavir must usually be taken with at least two other HIV medications in order to be effective. Additionally, it helps the body absorb more of the other HIV medications, making them more effective.
How Ritonavir works in the bodyRitonavir blocks HIV proteins from being cut apart. Normally, proteins created by HIV are cut into pieces in order to form other proteins, but Ritonavir prevents this from happening. It does this by blocking the enzyme HIV proteinase from working. Ritonavir also stops the transport of other protease inhibitors by interfering with the P-glycoprotein and MRP efflux channels.
When to interrupt dosage
The proposed dose of Ritonavir is contingent upon the ascertained situation, including weight 40 kg or more, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and Mild to Moderate COVID-19. The amount of dosage also depends on the mode of delivery (e.g. Oral or Tablet, film coated - Oral), as highlighted in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
COVID-19
, 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 33.3 mg, 33.33 mg, 100.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Kit; Tablet, Kit; Tablet - Oral, Powder, Powder - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral
HIV
, 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 33.3 mg, 33.33 mg, 100.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Kit; Tablet, Kit; Tablet - Oral, Powder, Powder - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral
Chronic hepatitis C genotype 1b
, 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 33.3 mg, 33.33 mg, 100.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Kit; Tablet, Kit; Tablet - Oral, Powder, Powder - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral
Chronic hepatitis C genotype 1a
, 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 33.3 mg, 33.33 mg, 100.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Kit; Tablet, Kit; Tablet - Oral, Powder, Powder - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral
weight 40 kg or more
, 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 33.3 mg, 33.33 mg, 100.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Kit; Tablet, Kit; Tablet - Oral, Powder, Powder - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral
SARS-CoV-2 Positive Patients
, 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 33.3 mg, 33.33 mg, 100.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Kit; Tablet, Kit; Tablet - Oral, Powder, Powder - Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Powder, for suspension, Powder, for suspension - Oral
Warnings
Ritonavir ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
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Pulse Frequency
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Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
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Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
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Do Not Combine
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Do Not Combine
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Do Not Combine
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Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Common Ritonavir Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Alectinib
Major
The metabolism of Alectinib can be decreased when combined with Ritonavir.
Alfuzosin
Major
The serum concentration of Alfuzosin can be increased when it is combined with Ritonavir.
Amiodarone
Major
The metabolism of Amiodarone can be decreased when combined with Ritonavir.
Amodiaquine
Major
The metabolism of Amodiaquine can be decreased when combined with Ritonavir.
Anagrelide
Major
The metabolism of Anagrelide can be increased when combined with Ritonavir.
Ritonavir Toxicity & Overdose RiskVery little is known about ritonavir overdose in humans. One person experienced tingling sensations after taking 1500mg/day for two days, while another developed kidney failure and an increase in white blood cells. Testing in animals suggests that it would take more than 20 times the recommended dose in humans to cause death in rats, and 10 times the recommended dose in mice. Additional side effects from taking too much ritonavir include liver damage, pancreatitis, and allergic reactions.
Ritonavir Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Ritonavir?
Currently, 43 active trials are investigating the potential of Ritonavir to treat Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 1a, Weight 40 Kg or More, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
SARS-CoV-2 Positive Patients
0 Actively Recruiting
COVID-19
0 Actively Recruiting
weight 40 kg or more
0 Actively Recruiting
Chronic hepatitis C genotype 1b
0 Actively Recruiting
Chronic hepatitis C genotype 1a
0 Actively Recruiting
HIV
41 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Early Phase 1, Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 4
Ritonavir Reviews: What are patients saying about Ritonavir?
4.3Patient Review
10/11/2022 I started taking this medication when I had my first onset of symptoms for COVID-19 in October 2022. My sister, who was also ill at the same time, did not take the medication. We both saw our conditions improve within a day of each other. I would recommend this medication to anyone looking to limit the worsening of their infection. The only negative effect I experienced was a strong metallic taste, so enjoy your food prior to dosage!
1.7Patient Review
4/23/2022 After only two days on this medication (four doses), I experienced an intense metallic taste in my mouth and overwhelming fatigue. Additionally, I felt generally unwell and had to take Tums to find relief from the full feeling in my stomach. I called my medical doctor and they advised me to stop taking the medication. The only Covid symptoms I was experiencing were a runny nose and occasional sneezing.
Patient Q&A Section about ritonavir
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Does ritonavir have side effects?
"Ritonavir has the potential to cause some very serious side effects, including pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), heart rhythm problems, severe skin rash and allergic reactions, liver problems, and drug interactions."
Answered by AI
What drugs contain ritonavir?
"There are several brands of protease inhibitors, antiviral boosters, and antiviral combinations. Norvir is one brand of antiviral booster, and Viekira XR and Viekira Pak are two brands of antiviral combination. AccessPak for HIV PEP Expanded with Kaletra is a brand of antiretroviral therapy, and Kaletra is a brand of protease inhibitor. Paxlovid is a brand of antiviral booster, and Technivie is a brand of antiviral combination."
Answered by AI
What is the drug ritonavir used for?
"It helps keep HIV from multiplying and increasing the amount of HIV in your body. Ritonavir is also used to increase the effectiveness of other medicines used to treat HIV.
Ritonavir is used to treat HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, in conjunction with other drugs. Ritonavir does not cure HIV or AIDS, but prevents the virus from replicating and thus slowing the progression of the disease. Ritonavir is also used to bolster the effectiveness of other drugs used to treat HIV."
Answered by AI
Is ritonavir used to treat Covid?
"The EPIC-HR trial showed that people who started taking ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir within 5 days of their COVID-19 symptoms appearing were 89% less likely to be hospitalized or die from the virus within 28 days, compared to those who took a placebo."
Answered by AI