Kaletra Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: Lopinavir, Ritonavir

LOPINAVIR; RITONAVIR (Kaletra™) are antiviral drugs known as protease inhibitors. Lopinavir; ritonavir is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Lopinavir; ritonavir may reduce the amount of HIV in the blood and increase the number of CD4 cells (T-cells) in the blood. Lopinavir; ritonavir is used in combination with other drugs used to treat the HIV virus. Kaletra is a combination of two antiviral medications in a group of drugs known as protease (PRO-tee-aze) inhibitors.

Kaletra Dosage

• If you are taking Kaletra Capsules, then the usual dose is 3 capsules twice daily with food. The dose may be increased to 4 capsules twice daily if Kaletra is used in conjunction with Sustiva or Viramune.
• If you are using Kaletra Oral Solution, then take 5 milliliters (1 teaspoonful) twice daily with food. The dose may be increased to 6.5 milliliters twice daily if Kaletra is used in conjunction with Sustiva or Viramune.

Uses of Kaletra

• Kaletra is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Kaletra is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.
• Kaletra may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Side Effects of Kaletra

If you are taking this medication, then discuss the side effects with your doctor. If you feel any change in intensity, then you should tell your doctor. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Kaletra. Side effects may include:

• Abnormal dreams
• acne
• agitation
• alterations in taste sensation
• amnesia
• anemia
• anxiety
• appetite changes
• back pain
• chills
• confusion
• constipation
• decreased sex drive
• dehydration
• depression

Warnings and precautions before taking Kaletra:

• Kaletra may cause liver problems. Liver disease including such as Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C may worsen when Kaletra is taken.
• Kaletra capsules and oral solution should be taken with food. Kaletra tablets can be taken with or without food.
• Treatment of HIV infection with anti-HIV medicines such as this one does not reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to other people through sexual contact or blood contamination.

Drug Interaction :-

If you are taking certain drugs with Kaletra, then it may decreased, increased or altered the effects of Kaletra medicine. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Kaletra with the following:

• Anticonvulsants such as Dilantin, Phenobarbital, Tegretol
  
• Certain HIV drugs such as Sustiva, Videx, Viramune
  
• Clarithromycin (Biaxin)
  
• Drugs used to treat heart arrhythmias, such as Cordarone,
• Lidocaine, Quinidex, Rhythmol
  
• Drugs used to treat tuberculosis, such as Mycobutin, Rifadin, Rifater
  
• Heart medications such as Adalat, Cardene, Plendil, Procardia
  
• Immunosuppressants such as Neoral and Prograf
  
• Methadone
  

Overdose

When you are taking Kaletra, and you feel that overdose is suspected then contact your doctor immediately. Symptoms of a Kaletra overdose are unknown.