Indicated for: HIV-1 infection
Substance: lopinavir + ritonavir (protease inhibitors)
ATC: J05AR10 (Antiinfectives for systemic use | Direct acting antivirals | Antivirals for treatment of HIV infections, combinations)
Lopinavir + ritonavir is a combination medication used for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It belongs to the class of protease inhibitors and is used to reduce the viral load in the body, helping to delay disease progression and maintain immune system function.
- Lopinavir is the main active agent that inhibits HIV protease, an enzyme essential for viral replication.
- Ritonavir is used in low doses to boost lopinavir levels in the blood by inhibiting its metabolism in the liver (boosting effect).
This combination is administered as tablets or oral solution, usually twice daily, in combination with other antiretroviral drugs as part of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).
Side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and changes in liver function. In rare cases, it may cause pancreatitis or severe allergic reactions. It is important to take the medication as prescribed by a doctor, and patients should be regularly monitored to assess treatment effectiveness and prevent adverse effects.