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:: Overview :: Precautions :: Side Effects :: Further Reading Search results last updated: 9/14/2008

Generic & Brand Name : Source: (MedicineNet)

Brand Name : Kaletra
Generic Name : lopinavir and ritonavir

Overview (Source: MedicineNet)
Kaletra is an oral medication that is a combination of lopinavir and ritonavir. It is used for treating infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is in a class of drugs called protease inhibitors which also includes ritonavir (Norvir), nelfinavir (Viracept) and saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase). Although both lopinavir and ritonavir inhibit the HIV virus, they are combined in Kaletra because ritonavir increases the concentration of lopinavir in the body. In fact, the activity of Kaletra against HIV is due to the lopinavir because the amount of ritonavir in Kaletra is not enough to inhibit the HIV virus. During infection with HIV, the HIV virus multiplies within the body's cells. Viruses are released from the cells and spread throughout the body where they infect other cells. In this manner, HIV infection is perpetuated among new cells that the body produces continually. During the production of the viruses, new proteins for the viruses are made. Some of the proteins are structural proteins, that, is, proteins that form the body of the virus. Other proteins are enzymes which manufacture DNA and other components for the new viruses. Protease is the enzyme that forms the new structural proteins and enzymes. The lopinavir in Kaletra blocks the action of protease and results in the formation of defective viruses that are unable to infect the body's cells. As a result, the number of viruses in the body (the viral load) decreases. Nevertheless, Kaletra does not preve ...
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Precautions (Source: MedLinePlus)
Before taking lopinavir and ritonavir, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to lopinavir, ritonavir (Norvir), or any other medications. do not take lopinavir and ritonavir if you are taking astemizole (Hismanal), cisapride (Propulsid), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), ergonovine (Ergotrate Maleate), ergotamine (Cafatine, Cafergot, Cafetrate, others), flecainide (Tambocor), methylergonovine (Methergine), midazolam (Versed), pimozide (Orap), propafenone (Rythmol), terfenadine (Seldane), or triazolam (Halcion). tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); antifungals such as itraconazole (Sporanox) and ketoconazole (Nizoral); atovaquone (Mepron); calcium-channel blockers such as felodipine (Plendil), nicardipine (Cardene), and nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia); cholesterol-lowering medications such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor), and simvastatin (Zocor); clarithromycin (Biaxin); disulfiram (Antabuse); medications for irregular heartbeats such as amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), bepridil (Vascor), and quinidine (Quinidex); medications for seizures such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), and phenytoin (Dilantin); medications that suppress the immune system such as cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), Rapamune ( ...
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Side Effects (Source: MedLinePlus)
Lopinavir and ritonavir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: diarrhea; weakness; heartburn; headache; difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; rash. Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately: upset stomach; vomiting; stomach pain; unusual bleeding or bruising; extreme tiredness; loss of appetite; pain in the upper right part of the stomach; yellowing of the skin or eyes; flu-like symptoms. Lopinavir and ritonavir may cause high blood sugar. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: thirst; dry mouth; tiredness; flushing; dry skin; frequent urination; loss of appetite; trouble breathing. Lopinavir and ritonavir may cause increases in levels of cholesterol and other fats (triglycerides) in the blood. Lopinavir and ritonavir may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html ] or by phone [1-800-332-1088]. ...
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Further Reading on kaletra
  • HIV/AIDS ( WebMD )
    HIV ( human immunodeficiency virus ) infection is the cause of AIDS , acquired immunodeficiency ...These include ritonavir (Norvir), a lopinavir and ritonavir combination ( Kaletra ), saquinavir (Invirase),

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