Kaletra

What is it?

A combined preparation used to treat H1V infections available as soft, orange capsules containing 133.3mg of lopinavir and 33.3mg of ritonavir, all marked PK and with logo. Also, KALETRA SOLUTION, a liquid containing 80mg of lopinavir and 20mg of ritonavir per ml.

Medical Uses

Treatment of HIV 1 infections, along with antiretroviral drugs.

Dosage

Adults, 3 capsules or 5ml of solution, taken twice each day with food. Children over 2 years, 230/57.5mg per metre squared of body surface area taken twice each day with food. Maximum dose is 400/100mg twice each day.

Special Care

Pregnancy, diabetes, haemophilia, pancreatitis, disorders of lipid metabolism, severe kidney disease, mild or moderate liver disorders, patients infected with hepatitis B or C. Monitoring of blood for lipid and glucose levels is required.

Avoid Use

Severe liver disease, kidney failure (Kaletra solution).

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Other antiretrovirals, ergot alkaloids, class 11 calcium antagonists, methadone, propafenone, astemizole and substrates of CYP3A or CYP2D6, statins, midazolam, contraceptives containing oestrogen, dexamethasone, terfenadine, cyclosporin, macrglides, triqzolam, tacrolimus, amiodarone, metronidazele (Kaletra oral solution), rifampicin, ketoconazole, cisapride, rifabutin, sildenafil, disulfram, drugs inducing QT prolongation, anticonvulsants, pimozide, warfarin, flecainide, antiarrhythmics, St John's Wort.

Known Side Effects

Pain in muscles and bones, tiredness, headache, itching, abdominal pains, weakness, numbness, 'pins and needles' in fingers and toes, peripheral neuropathy (damage to peripheral nerves), fever, gastrointestinal upset, insulin resistance, diabetes, raised blood lipid levels, kidney malfunction, lipodystrophy (abnormal fat deposition), dizziness.