Can you answer the following questions about Kaletra®?
What is the generic name? Any abbreviations?
What "class" antiretroviral is it and how does it work?
With food, without food or food doesn't matter?
Any special storage instructions?
How long can the capsules and solution be left at room temperature?
Any side effects?
Any possible drug interactions?
What is a typical dose?
Any other significant counseling points?
Kaletra ® (Lopinavir/Ritonavir) is a co-formulated product containing
lopinavir and ritonavir. Lopinavir is a protease inhibitor that
suppresses
viral replication. The amount of ritonavir in Kaletra®
is intended only to inhibit the metabolism of lopinavir, thereby providing
increased plasma concentrations of lopinavir.
The FDA approved dose of Kaletra ® (Lopinavir/Ritonavir)
is 400/100 mg (3 capsules)
bid. If used in a regimen containing either efavirenz or
nevirapine, the
dose of lopinavir/ ritonavir should be increased to 533/133 mg (4 capsules)
bid due to enzyme induction.
Kaletra ® (Lopinavir/Ritonavir) should be taken
with food to improve drug absorption.
Refrigerate capsules and solution while stored in
pharmacy. Patient may
keep capsules and solution in refrigerator or at room temperature (for up to
2 months).
Common side effects include diarrhea and
nausea.
Hyperglycemia, fat
redistribution, and cholesterol abnormalities have been
associated with the use of PIs.
Be sure to check for drug interactions. Remember, Kaletra®
contains ritonavir, a very potent inhibitor of cytochrome P450 enzymes.
Ritonavir is also a mild inducer of certain
isoenzymes.
As with all antiretrovirals, adherence is
crucial. Non-adherence is a
frequent cause of drug failure and viral resistance, not only to Kaletra,
but to other PIs as well.
