What is Ritonavir for ?

This medication is an antiretroviral agent, prescribed for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection either alone or combined with other antiretroviral agents. It is a protease inhibitor.

How does Ritonavir work ?

Ritonavir works to harm the virus and fight the infection.

How should Ritonavir be used ?

It comes as a tablet, capsule and solution to take by mouth; it should be taken with food. The recommended dose is 600mg, two times per day.

Common side effects of Ritonavir ?

High cholesterol level. Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred eyesight, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert or have clear eyesight until you see how this drug affects you. Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over a few minutes when sitting or lying down. Be careful climbing. Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals, good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help. Loose stools (diarrhea). Not hungry. Bad taste in your mouth. This most often goes back to normal. Change in body fat. Headache. Belly pain. Feeling tired or weak. Irritated pancreas may rarely happen. Harm to the liver may rarely happen.

What do I do if I miss a dose ?

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What precautions should I take when taking Ritonavir ?

If you have an allergy to ritonavir or any other part of this drug. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

When do I need to seek medical help ?

If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. A fast heartbeat. Very bad dizziness or passing out. Very upset stomach or throwing up. Very bad belly pain. Very loose stools (diarrhea). More trips to the bathroom, more thirst, or weight loss. Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes. Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

Can I take Ritonavir with other medicines ?

Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs and food. - Taking them together can cause bad side effects. - Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.

Are there any food restrictions ?

Avoid Alcohol.

How do I store Ritonavir ?

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. - Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

Pregnancy Category ?

Category B : Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.

Therapeutic Classification ?

Antivirals.