Ritonavir

It is an inhibitor of HIV protease with activity against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Indications

It is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-infection.

Dosage

Adults :The recommended dosage of ritonavir is 600mg twice daily by mouth. Pediatric : It should be used in combination with other antiretroviral agents.

Contra-Indications

Drugs contraindicated with Ritonavir are Amiodarone, quinidine, propafenone, astemizole, terfenadine, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, midazolam, triajolam, cisapride, pimozide.

Special Precautions

Caution should be exercised when administering this drug to patients with impaired hepatic function. Pregnancy: Pregnancy Category B Pediatric: The valuation of the antiviral activity of ritonavir in pediatric patients in clinical trials is ongoing.

Side Effects

Abdomen enlarged, back pain, cachexia, facial edema, neck rigidity, cerebral ischemia, hypertension, migraine, palpitation, bloody diarrhea, cholestatic jaundice, dry mouth, asthma, bronchitis, dyspnea, lung disorder, rhinitis.

Drug Interactions

Coadministration of ritonavir with sildenafil is expected to substantially increase sildenafil concentrations (11-fold increase in AUC) and may result in an increase in sildenafil associated adverse events, including hypotension, syncope, visual changes and prolonged erection.