Ritonavir

Expert Advice

Dosage Forms Available

• Ritonavir can be administered orally (tablets and oral solution/liquid).

Age and Dose Restrictions

• Ritonavir is suitable for use in both adults and children with appropriate dosage.

Contraindications

• Ritonavir is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the components of the formulation.

• It is also contraindicated for individuals with severe pre-existing liver or kidney disease.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Ritonavir can interact with anticonvulsants (such as phenytoin and carbamazepine), antiarrhythmics (like amiodarone and lidocaine), oral contraceptives (including ethinylestradiol and norethindrone), statins (such as atorvastatin and simvastatin), steroids (like dexamethasone), and sedatives (including midazolam and triazolam).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• An overdose of Ritonavir may result in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and significant liver toxicity. Immediate medical attention should be sought if an overdose is suspected.

• If you miss a dose of Ritonavir, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• If experiencing nausea, try taking Ritonavir with food.

• In case of diarrhoea, maintaining adequate hydration by drinking fluids can be helpful.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Ritonavir may cause dizziness or fatigue. These effects can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. It is advisable to avoid such activities if you do not feel alert.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• The use of Ritonavir during pregnancy is only recommended when clearly needed and prescribed by a doctor. Breastfeeding while on Ritonavir is not advised due to the potential for adverse effects on the infant.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Caution is advised when using Ritonavir in patients with pre-existing liver conditions due to the risk of increased liver enzymes which can lead to further liver damage.

• Patients with existing kidney problems should also use Ritonavir cautiously as it can affect renal function.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Ensure a balanced diet high in fibre which may help manage potential digestive side effects like diarrhoea.

• Moderate intake of fatty foods might improve medication absorption but balance it to avoid excessive calories from fats.

• Regular hydration is vital; aim for 6-8 glasses of water daily to help manage some side effects like nausea.

• A consistent sleep schedule may help manage fatigue associated with Ritonavir. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night.

Frequently asked questions

Terms & Conditions