Lopinavir / Ritonavir Sun (Lopinavir, Ritonavir)

Lopinavir, the active ingredient in Lopinavir / Ritonavir Sun, is a protease inhibitor presented as an oral tablet for oral use, combined with ritonavir, a pharmacokinetic enhancer, to treat HIV‑1 infection in adults and children. The combination inhibits viral replication by blocking HIV‑1 protease and increasing lopinavir plasma levels.

GNH USA supplies Lopinavir / Ritonavir Sun as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, pharmacies and clinics worldwide. The product meets EU quality standards and is distributed through regulated channels to ensure consistent availability for antiretroviral programmes.

Lopinavir/ritonavir is indicated for HIV‑1 infection as part of combination antiretroviral therapy.

- HIV‑1 infection (adults): reduces viral load when used with other antiretrovirals. - HIV‑1 infection (children): provides pediatric dosing options within fixed‑dose combinations. - HIV‑1 infection (treatment‑experienced patients): offers an option for patients with resistance to other protease inhibitors.

Common and serious adverse reactions have been reported with lopinavir/ritonavir therapy.

Common Side Effects: - Diarrhoea: frequent loose stools. - Nausea and vomiting: gastrointestinal discomfort. - Abdominal pain: cramping or discomfort. - Headache: mild to moderate intensity. - Elevated triglycerides: increase in blood lipid levels.

Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Hepatotoxicity: liver enzyme elevations or hepatitis. - Severe allergic reactions: rash, angioedema, or anaphylaxis. - Pancreatitis: inflammation of the pancreas. - QT prolongation: cardiac rhythm disturbances. - Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: severe skin reaction.

When prescribing lopinavir/ritonavir, clinicians should observe several precautionary measures.

- Liver function monitoring: assess baseline enzymes and repeat periodically. - Lipid profile assessment: monitor for hypertriglyceridaemia. - Drug resistance evaluation: ensure adherence to the full regimen. - Pregnancy considerations: limited safety data; weigh benefits against potential risks. - Store at room temperature: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture.

Lopinavir/ritonavir interacts with several medicines through CYP3A4 modulation and other pathways.

Major Interactions (Avoid): - Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, St. John’s wort): may markedly reduce lopinavir levels. - Medications that prolong QT interval (e.g., haloperidol, quinidine): increased risk of cardiac arrhythmia. - Co‑administration with other high‑dose protease inhibitors: risk of toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - Statins (simvastatin, lovastatin): increased myopathy risk; dose adjustment required. - Oral contraceptives: reduced efficacy; consider alternative contraception. - Warfarin: possible alteration of INR; monitor coagulation parameters. - Azole antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole): may raise lopinavir exposure; monitor for adverse effects.