Overview
What is Lopinavir?
Lopinavir is an HIV protease inhibitor that is always co-formulated with ritonavir (as Kaletra / lopinavir-ritonavir), which boosts lopinavir blood levels. It is active against HIV-1 in adults and children from birth.
Mechanism
How Does It Work?
1
Dual-component boost
Ritonavir inhibits CYP3A4, dramatically raising lopinavir plasma concentrations to therapeutic levels.
2
Protease inhibition
Lopinavir blocks HIV-1 protease, halting viral maturation and preventing the production of infectious viral particles.
3
Sustained exposure
The pharmacokinetic boost allows twice-daily or once-daily dosing with robust viral suppression coverage.
Dosage
How to Use
Timing
Twice daily (or once daily for treatment-naïve adults only)
How to Take
Swallow whole. Tablets can be taken with or without food. Oral solution should be taken with food.
Frequency
Twice daily (or once daily for naïve patients without resistance)
With Food
Tablets: with or without food. Oral solution: with food to improve tolerability
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol — oral solution contains alcohol
Missed Dose
Take as soon as remembered. If close to next dose, skip the missed dose. Never double dose.
Safety
Side Effects & Precautions
Common Side Effects
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Hyperlipidaemia (triglycerides)
- Elevated liver enzymes
Serious Side Effects — seek help immediately
- QT/PR interval prolongation
- Pancreatitis
- Hepatotoxicity
- New-onset diabetes
- Fat redistribution
Who Should Not Take This
- Concurrent use of drugs highly dependent on CYP3A with narrow therapeutic index (e.g. simvastatin, ergotamine)
- Severe hepatic impairment
Value
Generic vs Brand
Generic (OnlineMeds)
Kaletra
Price per unit
—
$800–$1200/month
Active ingredient
Identical
Identical
Storage
Storage & Handling
Temperature
Tablets: store below 25°C — no refrigeration required
Light
Keep in original packaging
Humidity
Protect from moisture
Children
Keep out of reach of children.
Why OnlineMeds
Why Buy From Us
Manufacturer Direct
Sourced directly from WHO-GMP certified manufacturers.
Quality Verified
Every batch tested for purity and bioequivalence.
Global Delivery
Discreet shipping to UK, US, AU, EU and beyond.
Licensed Pharmacy
Regulated and compliant with international pharmacy standards.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Hivus LR Tablets always contain ritonavir?
Lopinavir is broken down very rapidly in the liver by the CYP3A4 enzyme. The small amount of ritonavir in Kaletra blocks this enzyme, keeping lopinavir blood levels high enough to suppress HIV. Without ritonavir, lopinavir would not reach therapeutic concentrations.
Can I take Lopinavir once a day?
Once-daily lopinavir/ritonavir (800/200 mg) is only appropriate for treatment-naïve adults without lopinavir resistance mutations. For most other patients, twice-daily dosing is recommended to maintain adequate drug levels.
Does Hivus LR Tablets affect cholesterol?
Yes. Lopinavir/ritonavir commonly raises triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels. Your doctor will monitor your lipid profile during treatment and may recommend dietary changes or a lipid-lowering medication.
What are the signs of pancreatitis with Lopinavir?
Signs of pancreatitis include severe upper abdominal pain (often radiating to the back), nausea, and vomiting. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms, as lopinavir/ritonavir has been associated with pancreatitis.
Drug Interactions
| Drug / Substance | Effect | Action |
| Rifampicin |
Dramatically reduces lopinavir/ritonavir levels |
Contraindicated |
| Statins (simvastatin) |
Markedly increased statin exposure |
Avoid simvastatin; use lowest dose of other statins |
| Midazolam |
Greatly increased sedative exposure |
Contraindicated (oral midazolam) |
| Antiepileptics |
Mutual interactions may reduce lopinavir levels |
Monitor levels; adjust doses as needed |
Approved Indications
-
HIV-1 infection in adults and children from 14 days of age FDA / EMA
References
-
AbbVie. FDA Prescribing Information: Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir). ↗
-
WHO. WHO Consolidated Guidelines on HIV Treatment, 2021. ↗
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Used as prescribed by a licensed medical professional.