Health Library

Ritonavir (By mouth)

Ritonavir (rit-OH-na-vir)

Treats HIV infection. HIV causes AIDS. This medicine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but combinations of drugs may slow the progress of the disease.

Brand Name(s):

Norvir

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid Filled Capsule, Powder, Liquid, Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. Ritonavir is used together with other medicines to treat HIV infection. Take all of the medicines your doctor has prescribed at the right time of day and in the correct order. Do not stop using your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
• Capsule or Tablet: Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.
• Oral liquid: Shake well before each use. Measure the medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup. You may mix the oral liquid with chocolate milk or nutritional drinks to make it taste better. Drink this medicine within 1 hour of mixing.
• The liquid form of this medicine contains alcohol and propylene glycol. Do not use a polyurethane feeding tube to give this medicine.
• Powder: Mix the oral powder with food (including applesauce or vanilla pudding) or a liquid (including water, infant formula, or chocolate milk). After mixing your medicine with food or liquid, use it within 2 hours of preparing the dose. Be sure to drink or swallow all of the mixture. If you will use a feeding tube to take your medicine, use water to mix the powder. Throw away the mixture if not used within 2 hours and prepare a new dose.
• Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even for a short time, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is running low so you do not run out.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Capsules: Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature in a closed container. If stored at room temperature, use the medicine within 30 days. Keep away from heat and direct light.
• Liquid: Store in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not refrigerate.
• Powder: Store the packets at room temperature or in a cool, dry place, away from heat and direct light.
• Tablets: Store in a closed container at room temperature or in a cool, dry place, away from heat and direct light. Do not store this medicine out of the original container in places with high humidity for more than 2 weeks.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine if you are also using alfuzosin, amiodarone, apalutamide, cisapride, colchicine, dihydroergotamine, dronedarone, ergotamine, flecainide, lomitapide, lovastatin, lurasidone, methylergonovine, oral midazolam, pimozide, propafenone, quinidine, ranolazine, sildenafil, simvastatin, St John's wort, triazolam, or voriconazole.
• Many other drugs can interact with ritonavir. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or have become pregnant while using this medicine. Use an additional form of birth control along with your birth control pills to keep from getting pregnant. Other forms of birth control include condoms, a diaphragm, or a contraceptive foam or jelly.
• The oral liquid form contains alcohol, which should not be given to pregnant women and preterm babies.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including hepatitis B or C), diabetes, heart disease, heart rhythm problems, high cholesterol, or hemophilia.
• Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Liver problems
  • Pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)
  • Serious skin reactions
  • Changes in heart rhythm, including PR prolongation
  • High cholesterol or triglycerides
  • High blood sugar levels, which could become permanent
  • Increased risk of bleeding
• Your immune system may get stronger when you start taking HIV medicines. This could cause a hidden infection in your body to become active. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.
• Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. If you stop taking this medicine or do not take it as prescribed, you may spread HIV to others. Do not reuse or share needles, or other items, that may have blood or body fluids on them.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Dark urine or pale stools, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness
• Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat, chest pain
• Increased hunger or thirst, change in how much or how often you urinate, unusual weight loss
• Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Blurred vision
• Change or loss of taste
• Diarrhea, gas, stomach pain, upset stomach
• Joint or muscle pain
• Numbness or tingling
• Tiredness
• Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, or waist

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024