What is this medication for?
Lopinavir and ritonavir are two medications used in combination to help prevent the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from reproducing. The HIV virus is the virus responsible for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Lopinavir and ritonavir belong to a class of medications known as protease inhibitors. Protease is an enzyme that is needed by HIV for reproduction. Lopinavir and ritonavir block the action of protease. Ritonavir slows down the body's breakdown of lopinavir. This makes more lopinavir available to the body.
This medication does not cure AIDS and does not prevent it from being spread to others. It is used in combination with other anti-HIV medications to slow further growth or reproduction of HIV and seems to slow down the destruction of the immune system. This may help to delay the development of problems such as infections related to AIDS or HIV disease.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Kaletra® is available as:
- capsules
- 133.3 mg of lopinavir and 33.3 mg of ritonavir
- solution
- 80 mg of lopinavir and 20 mg of ritonavir per milliliter
- tablets
- 200 mg of lopinavir and 50 mg of ritonavir
- 100 mg of lopinavir and 25 mg of ritonavir
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose for adults is 400 mg lopinavir and 100 mg ritonavir (2 capsules or 5 mL liquid) taken twice daily with food. The recommended dose for children between 14 days and 12 years of age is based on body weight as calculated by the doctor.
The dose of this medication may vary if other HIV medications are used at the same time.
The capsule form of this medication may be taken with or without food. The oral solution must be taken with food. Finish all this medication, even if you start to feel better.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
If kept in the refrigerator, the oral solution is stable until the expiration date shown on the label. If the oral solution is stored at room temperature, it must be used within 2 months.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Lopinavir - ritonavir should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to lopinavir, ritonavir, or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- is taking any of the following medications:
- antiarrhythmics (e.g., flecainide, propafenone)
- antihistamines (e.g., astemizole, terfenadine)
- benzodiazepines (e.g., midazolam, triazolam)
- cisapride
- ergot derivatives (e.g., dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine)
- lovastatine
- pimozide
- rifampin
- simvastatin
- St. John's wort