Monograph Details

Infections & Infestations > Viral infections
NORVIR ORAL SOLUTION
Manufacturer
Abbott Laboratories
Legal Classification
Rx
Pharmacological Class
HIV protease inhibitor.
Generic Name
Ritonavir 80mg/mL; peppermint-caramel flavor; contains alcohol.
Also
NORVIR
Indications
HIV infection.
Children
Give with food. <2yrs: not recommended. ≥2yrs: initially 250mg/m2 twice daily; increase every 2–3 days by 50mg/m2 twice daily to 400mg/m2 twice daily; max 600mg twice daily.
Adults
Take with meals. Initially at least 300mg twice daily, increase every 2–3 day by 100mg twice daily to 600mg twice daily. May initiate alone, then add nucleoside analogues before completing 2 weeks of ritonavir monotherapy. Concomitant saquinavir: reduce ritonavir dose to 400mg twice daily.
Contraindications
Amiodarone, bepridil, flecainide, quinidine, propafenone, ergots, midazolam, triazolam, pimozide, cisapride.
Precautions
Discontinue if pancreatitis occurs. Impaired hepatic function, liver enzyme abnormalities, hepatitis; consider monitoring ALT/AST at baseline and for first 3 months of therapy. Monitor blood, triglycerides, cholesterol, and for hyperglycemia. Hemophilia. Diabetes. Elderly. Pregnancy (Cat.B). Nursing mothers.
Interactions
See Contraindications. Rifampin, lovastatin, simvastatin, St. John's wort, high-dose or long-term meperidine: not recommended. Potentiates sildenafil, vardenafil (reduce sildenafil and vardenafil doses), fluticasone (avoid). May be affected by, potentiate, or antagonize drugs that are metabolized by or induce CYP3A4, 2D6, 2C9, 3A, 1A2 or glucuronyl transferase, including: opioids, antiarrhythmics (eg, disopyramide, mexiletine), macrolides, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, most antidepressants (eg, SSRIs, tricyclics, nefazodone, bupropion), antiemetics (eg, dronabinol), antihypertensives (eg, calcium channel blockers, β-blockers), antiparasitics, antifungals (eg, itraconazole), corticosteroids, indinavir, saquinavir, sulfonylureas, immunosuppressants, neuroleptics, sedative/hypnotics, CNS stimulants, atorvastatin; monitor these and others closely. Antagonizes theophylline, oral contraceptives, methadone. Separate dosing of didanosine by 2 ½ hours. Avoid metronidazole, disulfiram; ketoconazole >200mg/day. Reduce rifabutin dose by at least 3/4. See literature.
Adverse Reactions
GI upset, asthenia, abdominal pain, headache, anorexia, paresthesias, taste perversion, fever, hyperlipidemia, dizziness, rash, throat irritation, myalgia, somnolence, insomnia, sweating, vasodilation, increased triglycerides, pancreatitis, fat redistribution; others.
Extra Text
Note: Register pregnant patients exposed to ritonavir by calling (800) 258-4263.
How Supplied
Caps—120
Soln—8oz
Additional Resources
Related Prescribing Note