Lopinavir / Ritonavir medicine is a combination of two active ingredients. The component Lopinavir, is a peptidomimetic HIV protease inhibitor that shows activity against HIV protease. It is less affected by binding to serum proteins. It is also called is an antiretroviral protease inhibitor used in combination with ritonavir to treat and prevent the human immunodeficiency virus infection and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Ritonavir is a peptidomimetic agent that inhibits both HIV-1 and HIV-2 proteases. It is inhibited by serum proteins but boosts the effect of other HIV proteases by stopping their degradation by cytochrome P450.

Class of Drugs – A peptidomimetic HIV protease inhibitor

Molecular Formula – C₃₇H₄₈N₄O₅ + C₃₇H₄₈N₆O₅S₂

Molecular Weight – 628.8 g/mol + 720.9 g/mol

Working: The active components in the medication Lopinavir / Ritonavir blocks the action of protease and leads to the formation of defective viruses that are unable to infect the body’s cells. As a consequence, the number of viruses in the body decreases. Nevertheless, this drug does not prevent the transmission of HIV among individuals, and it does not cure HIV infections or AIDS.

Uses: This combination drug contains two medications lopinavir and ritonavir, which is used with other HIV drugs to help control HIV infection. It helps to reduce the amount of HIV in the body so the immune system can work better. This lowers the chance of getting HIV complications like new infections, cancer and improves the quality of life. Both active ingredients belong to a class of drugs known as HIV protease inhibitors. Ritonavir increases the levels of lopinavir, so as to work better.

Lopinavir/ritonavir is not indicated to cure HIV infection. It decreases the risk of spreading HIV disease to others.

Popular Brands and Dosages: This particular combination of the medications is used in a popular brand medicine as given below:

• Kaletra: 200 mg + 50 mg

Do not share personal items like needles/syringes, toothbrushes, and razors that may have contacted blood or other body fluids.