Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: RITONAVIR CAPSULE - ORAL (rye-TAWN-uh-veer)
BRAND NAME(S): Norvir
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
WARNING: Use of ritonavir with certain nonsedating antihistamines (astemizole, terfenadine), sedatives and tranquilizers (midazolam, triazolam), heart medications (antiarrhythmics such as amiodarone, bepridil, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine), or ergot- containing drugs may cause severe (sometimes fatal) side effects. Tell your doctor if you use any of these types of medications before using ritonavir.
USES: This medication belongs to a class of drugs called protease inhibitors and is used, either alone or in combination with other drugs, to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.
HOW TO USE: This medication is taken twice daily by mouth, with meals if possible. A common side effect of nausea may be decreased by increasing the dose of ritonavir gradually over 5 days. In patients beginning combination therapy with other HIV medications, nausea can be decreased by starting the second medication between 5 and 14 days after therapy with ritonavir has begun. Do not increase or decrease your dose unless told to do so by your physician. It is critical to take this medication every day exactly as prescribed. Do not interrupt treatment unless directed to do so by your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects are weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, altered taste, stomach pain and numbness or tingling of mouth, hands or feet. Less common side effects include blurred vision, dizziness, headache, loss of coordination, muscle or joint pain and drowsiness. Inform your doctor if these should persist or worsen. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience: chills, rash, rapid heart rate, increased urination, unusual thirst, unusual bleeding or bruising (blood in the urine or stool), severe stomach pain, shortness of breath. Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medication (e.g., increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus - Read about HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) causes, symptoms, signs, treatment, prevention, transmission, facts, testing, research (vaccine), statistics and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
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