Lopinavir Ritonavir

Lopinavir-ritonavir is an antiviral drug combination used to control HIV infection and slow the progression of HIV infection to complications . This drug is always combined with other antiretroviral drugs, for example with efavirenz or nevirapine .

Lopinavir and ritonavir are HIV protease inhibitor class antivirals that work by reducing the amount of HIV virus in the blood. In addition, ritonavir also helps increase the amount of lopinavir in the body so that the effect is greater.

Although it cannot cure HIV, the drug lopinavir-ritonavir can slow the occurrence of acquired immune deficiency syndrome / AIDS, which is a complication of HIV infection that can cause severe infection and increase the risk of death.

Trademarks for lopinavir-ritonavir: Aluvia, Loparta 100/25, Loparta 200/50, Lopivia 100/25, Lopivia 200/50, Ritocom

What is Lopinavir-Ritonavir

class	Prescription drug
Category	Anti virus
Benefit	Controlling and inhibiting the progress of HIV infection
Consumed by	Adults and children
Lopinavir-ritonavir for pregnant and lactating women	Category B: Studies in animal studies have shown no adverse effects on the fetus. Controlled studies in pregnant women also do not show a risk to the fetus, but the data are not sufficient. If you are pregnant, you should consult your doctor about using this drug. Lopinavir-ritonavir is absorbed into breast milk. Do not breastfeed while you have HIV.
Drug form	Film-coated tablets

Precautions Before Taking Lopinavir-Ritonavir

Lopinavir-ritonavir should not be used carelessly. Pay attention to the following things before taking lopinavir-ritonavir:

Do not take the combination drug lopinavir-ritonavir if you have a history of allergies to the drug.
Do not take lopinavir-ritonavir if you have severe hepatic impairment.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
Inform your doctor if you are taking other medicines, including supplements and herbal products, to anticipate drug-to-drug interactions.
Tell your doctor if you have or currently have high cholesterol , diabetes, haemophilia , tuberculosis, potassium deficiency, pancreatitis , or liver disease especially hepatitis C , hepatitis B, or cirrhosis .
Tell your doctor if you have coronary heart disease , heart defects, cardiomyopathy , or have a history of heart attack.
Tell your doctor if you or any member of your family has a history of sudden cardiac arrest at a young age or heart rhythm disturbances .
Tell your doctor if you are using hormonal birth control, such as the pill or injectable birth control, because lopinavir-ritonavir may reduce the effectiveness of these drugs.
Immediately consult a doctor if you have an allergic drug reaction or serious side effects after using lopinavir-ritonavir.

Dosage and Rules for Lopinavir-Ritonavir

The dose of lopinavir-ritonavir to treat HIV infection will be adjusted according to the age and body weight (BB) of the patient. Here are the details:

Mature

Lopinavir 400 mg and ritonavir 100 mg, twice a day
If combined with efavirenz or nevirapine, the dose becomes lopinavir 500 mg and ritonavir 125 mg

Children aged ≥2 years

Weight 15 – 25 kg : lopinavir 200 mg and ritonavir 50 mg, 2 times a day
Weight > 25 – 35 kg : lopinavir 300 mg and ritonavir 75 mg, 2 times a day
Weight > 35 – 40 kg: lopinavir 400 mg and ritonavir 100 mg, 2 times a day
Weight 40 kg: the same as the adult dose

As with adults, this dose may be combined with efavirenz, nevirapine, or other antiretroviral drugs.

How to Take Lopinavir - R itonavir Properly

Take lopinavir-ritonavir according to the directions for use and doctor 's recommendations . Do not increase or decrease your dose without your doctor's approval.

Do not stop using the drug without first consulting a doctor even though the condition has improved. Stopping the drug suddenly can make the condition more difficult to treat.

Lopinavir-ritonavir can be taken with or without food. Swallow these tablets whole, without chewing or crushing them first. Try not to miss the drug consumption schedule. Forgetting to take medication can increase the risk of the virus becoming more resistant to drugs.

If you forget to take lopinavir-ritonavir, take this medicine as soon as you remember. However, if the next scheduled medication is near, ignore the missed dose and do not double the next dose.

The use of lopinavir-ritonavir can increase blood fat levels. Therefore, you may need to undergo regular cholesterol and triglyceride checks.

Lopinavir-ritonavir can also increase the amount of fat in the upper back and stomach, or reduce the amount of fat in the arms and legs, making the body look disproportionate. Consult your doctor about these side effects and exercises that can be done to prevent them.

Store lopinavir-ritonavir in the package at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, and keep the drug out of reach of children.