Health Library

Lopinavir/ritonavir (By mouth)

Lopinavir (loe-PIN-a-vir), Ritonavir (rit-OH-na-vir)

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

Brand Name(s):

Kaletra

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid Filled Capsule, Liquid, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Capsule and oral liquid: Take with food.
• Tablet: You may take the tablet with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. It may also be given through some types of feeding tubes.
• 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.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• 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.
• Capsule and oral liquid: Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature, away from heat or direct light. If you store the medicine at room temperature, it expires after 2 months.
• Tablet: Store at room temperature. Keep away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not store this medicine out of the original container and 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, apalutamide, cisapride, colchicine, dihydroergotamine, dronedarone, elbasvir/grazoprevir, ergotamine, lomitapide, lovastatin, lurasidone, methylergonovine, oral midazolam, pimozide, ranolazine, rifampin, sildenafil, simvastatin, St John's wort, or triazolam.
• Many other drugs can interact with lopinavir/ritonavir. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
• If you also use didanosine, take it 1 hour before or 2 hours after you take Kaletra® oral liquid or capsules. Didanosine can be taken (without food) at the same time as Kaletra® tablets.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you have liver disease (including cirrhosis or hepatitis B or C), diabetes, high cholesterol, hemophilia, or a history of pancreatitis. Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, heart failure, heart block, or heart rhythm problems.
• Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)
  • Liver problems
  • Changes in heart rhythm, including PR or QT 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 an HIV medicine. 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.
• The oral liquid form of this medicine contains alcohol.
• 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, nausea, vomiting, 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:

• Back, joint, or muscle pain
• Cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat
• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
• 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