Kaletra (Lopinavir And Ritonavir)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Kaletra Used For?
Kaletra is a combination medication containing two active ingredients: lopinavir and ritonavir. It is specifically designed to treat HIV infection.
Primary Uses
Kaletra is used to treat HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection, the virus that causes AIDS. It helps control the virus and prevent it from multiplying in your body.
How It Works
Kaletra contains protease inhibitors that work together to block HIV from reproducing and spreading in your body.
How to Take Kaletra
Kaletra comes in two forms: tablets and oral solution. Your doctor will determine the right form and dose based on your weight and medical condition.
Dosage Instructions
For tablets (patients 35 kg and over): Take two 200 mg/50 mg tablets in the morning and two tablets in the evening every day. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water – do not break, crush, or chew them. For oral solution (patients 35 kg and over): Take 5 mL in the morning and 5 mL in the evening every day. For children less than 40 kg: The dose is calculated based on weight – your doctor will advise the appropriate dose. Take oral solution with a meal or immediately after a meal. Use the syringe supplied with the medicine to ensure accurate dosing.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then return to your usual schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed. Take Kaletra at the same time each day for best results.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- diarrhea
- feeling sick or vomiting
- stomach pain
- indigestion
- gas
- headache
- difficulty sleeping
- rash
- tingling, prickling or numbness on the skin
- feeling weak or tired
- chills or fever
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- symptoms of lactic acid build-up (nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, difficulty breathing, severe leg and arm weakness)
- diabetes symptoms (excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, sudden weight loss)
- infection symptoms (fever, chills, cold or flu symptoms, dental problems, painful urination, blood in urine)
- joint stiffness and pain (especially hip, knee, shoulder) with difficulty moving
- sharp side or back pain with burning urination and blood in urine
- sudden intense skin reaction
- very high blood sugar symptoms (headache, blurred vision, confusion, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain)
- severe allergic reaction symptoms (difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, hives, rash, itching)
Important Warnings
Before taking Kaletra, it’s important to understand who should not take this medication and what conditions require special monitoring.
Who Should Not Take Kaletra
Do not take Kaletra if you are allergic to lopinavir, ritonavir, or any ingredients in the medication. Do not take if you have or have had liver problems, including Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C, or if you have kidney problems. Do not take Kaletra Oral Solution if you are pregnant. Do not give Kaletra Oral Solution to children younger than 2 years of age.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, heart problems (such as irregular heartbeats), high cholesterol or triglycerides, pancreas problems, haemophilia (bleeding disorder), or if you take any other medications. Your doctor needs to monitor you for certain side effects during treatment.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Do not take Kaletra Oral Solution if you are pregnant. Call your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking Kaletra.
Elderly Patients: The use of Kaletra in patients older than 65 years is limited – discuss with your doctor.
Drug Interactions
Kaletra can interact with many medications, either increasing or decreasing their effects. Some combinations can be dangerous and must be avoided completely.
Complete List Required: This is not a complete list. Tell your doctor about ALL medications, vitamins, and supplements you take, including over-the-counter products.
- alfuzosin (prostate medication)
- ranolazine (angina medication)
- dronedarone (heart medication)
- fusidic acid (antibiotic)
- neratinib, apalutamide (cancer medications)
- colchicine (gout medication)
- astemizole, terfenadine (antihistamines)
- blonanserin, lurasidone, pimozide (mental health medications)
- midazolam, triazolam (sleep medications)
- ergotamine medications (migraine treatments)
- cisapride (digestive medication)
- St John’s Wort (herbal supplement)
- elbasvir, grazoprevir (hepatitis C medications)
- lovastatin, simvastatin, lomitapide (cholesterol medications)
- salmeterol (asthma/COPD medication)
- sildenafil (for lung blood pressure)
- disulfiram (alcohol dependency treatment)
- metronidazole (antibiotic)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol consumption and driving while taking Kaletra, especially with the oral solution form.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol, especially if you are taking Kaletra Oral Solution, as it contains alcohol and may interact with certain medications.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Kaletra affects you. There is no specific information about Kaletra’s effect on driving ability, but monitor how you feel.
Storage
Store Kaletra Tablets in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Store Kaletra Oral Solution in the refrigerator at 2°C – 8°C. Keep all forms away from children. Take expired or unwanted medication to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
Overdose Information
If you take too much Kaletra, immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if you feel fine or have no symptoms of poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kaletra tablets can be taken with or without food, but the oral solution should be taken with a meal or immediately after eating for best absorption.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then return to your usual schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol, especially if you’re taking Kaletra Oral Solution, as it contains alcohol and may interact with certain medications.
Store tablets in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture. Store oral solution in the refrigerator at 2°C – 8°C. Keep both forms away from children.
Do not stop taking Kaletra or change the dose without checking with your doctor first. Stopping HIV medication suddenly can allow the virus to multiply and become resistant to treatment.
The use of Kaletra in patients older than 65 years is limited. Elderly patients should discuss the risks and benefits with their doctor.
Yes, Kaletra interacts with many medications. Some combinations must be completely avoided. Tell your doctor about ALL medications, vitamins, and supplements you take, including over-the-counter products.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.