Lopinavir-Ritonavir: a new protease inhibitor

Pharmacotherapy. 2001 Nov;21(11):1352-63. doi: 10.1592/phco.21.17.1352.34419.

Abstract

Lopinavir is a new protease inhibitor that is structurally related to ritonavir. It recently was approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a coformulation with ritonavir under the brand name Kaletra. Ritonavir substantially increases lopinavir drug exposure by inhibiting cytochrome P450 isoenzyme 3A4. Based on limited data, lopinavir-ritonavir demonstrates safety and efficacy in both antiretroviral-naive and protease inhibitor-experienced patients. It has the ability to durably suppress human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) RNA for up to 2 years in antiretroviral-naïve patients. Compared with nelfinavir, it had superior virologic control at 48 weeks in antiretroviral-naïve patients. Its side effects include diarrhea, abnormal stools, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and asthenia. A number of patients experienced grade 3-4 laboratory abnormalities in liver function tests, cholesterol, and triglycerides while receiving this drug combination. The exact resistance patterns of lopinavir-ritonavir are unknown, but the Department of Health and Human Services strongly recommends it for the initial treatment of HIV-infected adults and adolescents.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • HIV Protease Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • HIV Protease Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • HIV Protease Inhibitors / chemistry
  • HIV Protease Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Lopinavir
  • Pyrimidinones / administration & dosage*
  • Pyrimidinones / adverse effects
  • Pyrimidinones / chemistry
  • Pyrimidinones / pharmacology*
  • Ritonavir / administration & dosage*
  • Ritonavir / adverse effects
  • Ritonavir / chemistry
  • Ritonavir / pharmacology*

Substances

  • HIV Protease Inhibitors
  • Pyrimidinones
  • Lopinavir
  • Ritonavir