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Ritonavir

Supportive Care

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What is ritonavir?

Ritonavir (also called Norvir®) is used to treat infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This medicine is one of a group called protease inhibitors (PIs). Protease is the part of the virus that allows it to multiply, leave the cell, and move into the blood and body. Ritonavir can slow down how soon you will see symptoms or slow the damage caused by HIV, but it cannot cure HIV infection.

Ritonavir is available as a liquid and as a 100-mg gelcap.

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Possible side effects

Several medicines may affect the way ritonavir works. These medicines include:

  • Garlic
  • Phenytoin
  • Rifampin
  • St. John’s wort

Ritonavir may affect the way other medicines work. These medicines include:

  • Alprazolam
  • Amiodarone
  • Atorvastatin
  • Carbamazepine
  • Clarithromycin
  • Metronidazole
  • Birth control pills
  • Cyclosporine
  • Diazepam
  • Lovastatin
  • Paroxetine
  • Sertraline

    Always tell the doctor if you are taking any of these medicines or if you start taking any new medicines while you are taking ritonavir.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, hives, itching, chills, fever, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, swelling of the face or neck.

Not all patients who take ritonavir will experience these side effects. Common side effects are bolded, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Find more information on side effects.

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Tips for patients and families

Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your doctor or pharmacist. 

  • Blood tests can find some side effects, such as a high level of blood cholesterol. It is very important that you come to the clinic regularly for blood tests.
  • Several medicines may affect the way ritonavir works. These medicines include:
    • Garlic
    • Phenytoin
    • Rifampin
    • St. John’s wort
  • Ritonavir may affect the way other medicines work. These medicines include:
    • Alprazolam
    • Amiodarone
    • Atorvastatin
    • Carbamazepine
    • Clarithromycin
    • Metronidazole
    • Birth control pills
    • Cyclosporine
    • Diazepam
    • Lovastatin
    • Paroxetine
    • Sertraline
  • Always tell the doctor if you are taking any of these medicines or if you start taking any new medicines while you are taking ritonavir.

Drug at Home:

  • This medicine is usually taken one (1) time in the morning and one (1) time at night.
  • Take ritonavir with food.
  • Liquid ritonavir can be mixed with chocolate milk or nutritional drinks to help improve the medicine’s taste.
  • Shake the ritonavir liquid thoroughly before taking it.
  • Do not store ritonavir liquid in the refrigerator. Keep the liquid at room temperature and away from heat and moisture
  • Ritonavir gelcaps can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature away from heat and moisture.
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Always check the medication label. Many medicines look the same. Do not take any new medicine, including over-the counter medicines or supplements, without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do in the case of a missed dose, allergic reaction, or medical emergency. 

This information is not intended to be a complete guide and is not a substitute for talking with your provider. Medicine names, appearance, formulas, or availability may vary by clinic location. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.

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