Kaletra: Advanced Protease Inhibitor for Effective HIV Management
Kaletra
| Product dosage: 250mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 60 | 5.26 $ | 315.90 $ (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | 4.88 $ | 631.80 $ 585.00 $ (7%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | 4.74 $ | 947.70 $ 854.10 $ (10%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 240 | 4.68 $ | 1263.60 $ 1124.37 $ (11%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 300 | 4.65 $ | 1579.50 $ 1394.64 $ (12%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | 4.62 $
Best per pill | 1895.40 $ 1664.91 $ (12%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
Kaletra is a fixed-dose combination antiretroviral medication containing lopinavir and ritonavir, designed for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection in adults and pediatric patients. As a protease inhibitor, it plays a critical role in suppressing viral replication, helping to reduce viral load and increase CD4 cell counts. This medication is typically used in combination with other antiretroviral agents as part of a comprehensive HIV treatment strategy, adhering to current clinical guidelines for optimized therapeutic outcomes.
Features
- Contains lopinavir 200 mg and ritonavir 50 mg per tablet
- Available in tablet and oral solution formulations
- Co-formulated with ritonavir to enhance lopinavir bioavailability
- Does not require refrigeration for tablets; oral solution must be refrigerated
- Manufactured under strict quality control standards for consistency and reliability
Benefits
- Effectively suppresses HIV-1 replication, aiding in viral load reduction
- Helps increase CD4+ T-cell counts, supporting immune function recovery
- Fixed-dose combination simplifies dosing and improves adherence
- Suitable for a broad range of patients, including treatment-naïve and experienced individuals
- Backed by extensive clinical data demonstrating long-term efficacy and safety
Common use
Kaletra is indicated for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in combination with other antiretroviral agents in adults and children aged 14 days and older. It is used as part of antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens, both in treatment-naïve patients and those who have previously received other protease inhibitors or antiretroviral treatments. Its use is guided by resistance testing and individual patient factors, in accordance with established HIV treatment guidelines.
Dosage and direction
The recommended adult dosage is 400 mg lopinavir/100 mg ritonavir (two tablets) twice daily or 800 mg lopinavir/200 mg ritonavir (four tablets) once daily, taken with or without food. Pediatric dosing is based on body weight or body surface area and should be calculated precisely. Tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed, crushed, or split. The oral solution must be administered using the provided dosing syringe or cup to ensure accuracy. Dosage adjustments may be necessary for patients with hepatic impairment or when co-administered with certain other medications.
Precautions
Patients should be monitored for potential liver function abnormalities, lipid elevations, and glucose intolerance. Use with caution in patients with pre-existing liver disease, hepatitis B or C coinfection, or cardiac conduction abnormalities. Pancreatitis has been reported; discontinue use if signs or symptoms occur. Kaletra may cause immune reconstitution syndrome. Patients should avoid missing doses to prevent development of resistance.
Contraindications
Kaletra is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to lopinavir, ritonavir, or any component of the formulation. Coadministration with drugs highly dependent on CYP3A or CYP2D6 for clearance and for which elevated plasma concentrations are associated with serious and/or life-threatening events is contraindicated. This includes alfuzosin, amiodarone, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine, cisapride, lovastatin, simvastatin, pimozide, sildenafil (for pulmonary arterial hypertension), triazolam, oral midazolam, and ranolazine.
Possible side effect
Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, and insomnia. Elevated cholesterol and triglycerides are frequently observed. Less common but serious side effects may include pancreatitis, hepatotoxicity, PR interval prolongation, and rash. Patients may also experience fatigue, weakness, and redistribution/accumulation of body fat. Allergic reactions, though rare, can occur.
Drug interaction
Kaletra is a potent inhibitor of CYP3A and CYP2D6 and may increase plasma concentrations of drugs metabolized by these enzymes. It may also induce CYP enzymes and glucuronosyl transferase. Significant interactions occur with other antiretrovirals, anticonvulsants, sedative/hypnotics, ergot derivatives, GI motility agents, neuroleptics, PDE5 inhibitors, and herbal products like St. John’s wort. Coadministration with other protease inhibitors generally not recommended. Consult full prescribing information before combining with other medications.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed within 6 hours of the scheduled time, the patient should take it immediately and then resume the regular dosing schedule. If more than 6 hours have passed, the missed dose should be skipped and the next dose taken at the regularly scheduled time. Patients should not double the dose to make up for a missed one. Consistent adherence is crucial to maintain viral suppression and prevent resistance.
Overdose
There is limited experience with overdose. Highest reported dose involved 24 tablets (4800 mg lopinavir/1200 mg ritonavir) with no reported symptoms. Treatment should consist of general supportive measures, including monitoring of vital signs and observation of clinical status. Since lopinavir is highly protein-bound, dialysis is unlikely to be beneficial. If overdose occurs, contact a poison control center or healthcare provider immediately.
Storage
Store tablets at room temperature, 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Keep in original container, tightly closed, and protect from excessive moisture. Oral solution should be refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F); do not freeze. If stored at room temperature (up to 25°C/77°F), oral solution must be used within 2 months. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Disclaimer
This information is intended for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations. Dosage, indications, and safety information may change; refer to the most current prescribing information. Individual patient responses may vary.
Reviews
Clinical studies and post-marketing surveillance demonstrate Kaletra’s efficacy in reducing viral load and increasing CD4 counts, with a generally manageable safety profile. Healthcare providers report it as a valuable option in both initial and salvage therapy regimens. Some patients note gastrointestinal side effects initially, though these often diminish over time. Adherence to the prescribed regimen is frequently cited as crucial for optimal outcomes. Long-term data support its role in sustained virologic suppression.