RITONAVIR SANDOZ 100mg tablets medication leaflet

J05AE03 • ritonavir • Antiinfectives for systemic use | Direct acting antivirals | Protease inhibitors

Ritonavir is a protease inhibitor used in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It works by inhibiting the HIV protease enzyme, which is essential for processing viral proteins and forming mature viral particles, thereby reducing viral replication in the body.

Ritonavir is administered orally, usually in combination with other antiretroviral medications, as part of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). It is often used as a pharmacokinetic booster for other antiretroviral drugs, increasing their blood concentrations by inhibiting hepatic enzymes responsible for their metabolism.

Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and elevated blood lipid levels. In rare cases, severe adverse reactions such as hepatotoxicity or pancreatitis may occur. Regular monitoring of liver function and metabolic parameters is essential.

Ritonavir is an important component of antiretroviral therapy, contributing to the effective management of HIV infection and improving patients' quality of life.