Kaletra (Lopinavir And Ritonavir)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Kaletra Used For?
Kaletra is a medication that combines lopinavir and ritonavir to help manage HIV infection, which is the virus responsible for AIDS.
Primary Uses
Kaletra is primarily used to treat HIV infection.
How It Works
Kaletra works by inhibiting the replication of the HIV virus in the body.
Good to know: Kaletra is not considered addictive.
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How to Take Kaletra
Kaletra can be taken in tablet form or as an oral solution, and it's important to follow the prescribed dosage.
Dosage Instructions
For patients weighing 35 kg and above, take two 200 mg/50 mg tablets in the morning and two tablets in the evening, or 5 mL of the oral solution twice daily. For children under 40 kg, the dosage is based on body weight as advised by a doctor.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Important: Never double the dose to make up for a missed one.
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
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Indigestion
- Headache
- Difficulty sleeping
- Rash
- Feeling weak or tired
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Symptoms of lactic acid build-up (nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing)
- Symptoms of diabetes (increased thirst, frequent urination)
- Signs of infection (fever, chills)
- Severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling of face or lips)
Impulse Control Issues
Monitor for any changes in behavior or impulse control while taking Kaletra.
Important Warnings
It's crucial to be aware of the conditions under which Kaletra should not be taken.
Who Should Not Take Kaletra
Do not take Kaletra if you are allergic to lopinavir, ritonavir, or any of its ingredients, have liver issues, or are pregnant (for the oral solution).
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Inform your doctor if you have diabetes, heart problems, high cholesterol, pancreatitis, or hemophilia.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Elderly Patients With Dementia: Use of Kaletra in patients over 65 years is limited.
Drug Interactions
Kaletra can interact with various medications, affecting how they work.
Grapefruit interaction: Grapefruit may affect how Kaletra works.
- alfuzosin
- ranolazine
- dronedarone
- fusidic acid
- neratinib
- colchicine
- astemizole
- terfenadine
- blonanserin
- lurasidone
- pimozide
- midazolam
- triazolam
- ergotamine
- cisapride
- St John’s Wort
- bosentan
- rifampicin
- dexamethasone
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol consumption and operating machinery while on Kaletra.
Alcohol
Inform your doctor if you consume alcohol, especially with the oral solution.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Use caution when driving or using machinery until you know how Kaletra affects you.
Storage
Store Kaletra tablets in a cool, dry place and the oral solution in the refrigerator (2°C – 8°C). Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
In case of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26 or seek immediate medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kaletra begins to work by reducing the amount of HIV in the body, but the exact time can vary by individual.
Yes, it's recommended to take Kaletra with a meal or immediately after.
No, Kaletra is not considered addictive.
Do not stop taking Kaletra without consulting your doctor, as it may lead to a resurgence of HIV.
It's advised to inform your doctor if you consume alcohol while on Kaletra.
The use of Kaletra in patients over 65 years is limited, so consult your doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but skip it if it's close to your next dose. Do not double dose.
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.