Lopinavir
About Lopinavir
Lopinavir belongs to a class of drugs called antiretroviral medications primarily used to treat HIV infection. It may also be used to treat Covid-19. HIV is a virus that targets the immune system, primarily white blood cells. HIV destroys white blood cells and reduces a person's resistance to infections.
Lopinavir contains Lopinavir, a protease inhibitor. It works by interfering with an enzyme called protease, which is necessary for virus replication. This prevents the spread of new viruses. As a result, Lopinavir lowers the virus load in the body and aids in treating infections.
Take Lopinavir as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Lopinavir for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. Sometimes, Lopinavir may cause nausea, vomiting, weakness, headache, and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects of Lopinavir do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Please do not take Lopinavir if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Consult your doctor before taking Lopinavir if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Lopinavir may cause weakness, and dizziness, so drives only if you are alert. Lopinavir should not be given to children below 2 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Lopinavir as it could lead to increased dizziness. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects.
Uses of Lopinavir
Medicinal Benefits
Lopinavir belongs to a class of drugs called antiretroviral agents primarily used to treat HIV and Coronavirus disease. It contains Lopinavir, which is a protease inhibitor. It works by interfering with a protein enzyme (protease) that virus-infected cells need to produce new viruses. As a result, Lopinavir lowers the viral load in the body and aids in infection therapy.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Lopinavir
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Heartburn
- Stomach pain
- Numbness, burning or tingling in the hands or feet.
Drug Warnings
Please do not take Lopinavir if you are allergic to any of its ingredients; if you have severe liver disease. Inform your doctor if you have liver disease, haemophilia, erectile dysfunction, diabetes, kidney problems, or if you are taking any other medicines. Consult your doctor before taking Lopinavir if you are pregnant; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Breastfeeding should be avoided to prevent the transmission of infection to the baby. Lopinavir may cause dizziness and weakness, so drive only if you are alert. Lopinavir should not be given to children below 2years as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Lopinavir as it could lead to increased dizziness. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Lopinavir may interact with antibiotic medicines (e.g. azithromycin, ciprofloxacin), corticosteroid medicines (e.g. dexamethasone), anticonvulsant medications (e.g. phenytoin), and medicines used to treat bipolar disorder (e.g. valproic acid).
Drug-Food Interactions: Consuming alcohol while using Lopinavir is not recommended since it may induce unpleasant side effects or make you more sensitive to the effects of alcohol.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor before taking Lopinavir if you have liver or kidney disorders, haemophilia, hepatotoxicity, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and/or heart block.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid drinking alcohol with Lopinavir as it may cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, please seek medical advice. Pregnant women are only given Lopinavir if their doctor believes the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeBreastfeeding should be avoided to prevent transmission of infection to babies.
Driving
cautionLopinavir may cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionTake Lopinavir with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required. Avoid taking Lopinavir if you have severe liver problems.
Kidney
cautionLopinavir should be used with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney disease. Please seek medical advice. Your doctor may adjust the dose if necessary.
Children
cautionLopinavir is not recommended for children below 2years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
HIV:
- Never exchange personal objects that have been contaminated with body fluids or blood, such as razor blades or toothbrushes.
- Never share used needles, injections or drug equipment as it may spread viruses.
- Consume a well-balanced diet. Consume vitamin and nutrient-rich foods like dark-green, yellow, orange, and red vegetables and fruits to enhance your immune system. Choose lean protein and whole carbohydrates over-processed foods.
- Consume no raw meat or eggs. Consume boiled and cooked meat, poultry, or seafood.
- If you have nausea or vomiting, eat bland, low-fat foods and avoid spicy or greasy foods.
- Spending time with family or doing whatever makes you happy might help minimise emotional and physical stress.
COVID-19:
- Always remember to wear a mask when you're around other people. Wearing a mask aids in the prevention of illness spread.
- Keep a social distance and avoid social gatherings.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
- Hands should be washed with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitiser on a regular basis.
- Surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis.
- Gargling with salt water and inhaling steam would be beneficial.
Special Advise
- Specific tests may be recommended while taking Lopinavir to monitor blood lipids and glucose levels.
- In case of a fever or rash following Lopinavir, do not use any antipyretic or anti-allergic medicines without consulting the doctor.
- Practise safe sex and take other necessary precautions as Lopinavir does not prevent the spread of HIV infection.
- Talk to your doctor immediately if you notice any signs or symptoms of infection or inflammation.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
HIV infection: HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that damages immune system cells and impairs your ability to fight infections and diseases. People with HIV experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, tiredness, and sore throat. These symptoms usually last for days to several weeks. It spreads through body fluids such as semen, vaginal fluid, and blood. If left untreated, this condition can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). It is a life-long condition, and there is no definite cure. However, it can be controlled by treatment with antiretroviral drugs.
COVID-19: Coronavirus disease, also known as SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2), is an infectious disease caused by the coronavirus. Coronavirus belongs to a group of RNA viruses and has crown-like projections on the pathogen's surface. The virus transmits through droplets generated from an infectious person's cough, sneeze or heavy breathing. The common symptoms of Coronavirus disease are dry cough, breathlessness, shortness of breath, tiredness, body pains, headache, fever, loss of sense of taste and smell, diarrhoea, and sore throat.
FAQs
Lopinavir belongs to a class of drugs called antiretroviral medications primarily used to treat HIV infection. It may also be used to treat Covid-19.
Lopinavir works by inhibiting the working of protease enzyme that is essential for the reproduction of the virus. Thereby, it prevents the production of the new virus. Thus, Lopinavir lowers virus load in the body and helps treat the infection.
Yes, Lopinavir may cause a transient and usually asymptomatic elevation in serum aminotransferase levels. Regular monitoring of liver enzymes while taking Lopinavir is advised.
HIV infection is not cured by Lopinavir as there is no definite cure for HIV. Lopinavir decreases the amount of HIV virus in the body and increases immune system performance.
Inform your doctor if you have hepatitis as Lopinavir may worsen the underlying chronic hepatitis B or C.
You are recommended to inform your doctor before taking any other medicines with Lopinavir. Your doctor will notify you regarding medicines that should not be taken along with Lopinavir.
Lopinavir might reduce the effectiveness of oral and patch contraceptives. Therefore, use different or additional methods of contraception such as condoms. Talk to your doctor about any concerns.
