Lopinavir Medications

Lopinavir is a protease inhibitor antiretroviral used in combination with other drugs to treat HIV-1 infection by inhibiting viral protein maturation. It helps reduce viral load and improve immune function.

Kaletra

Lopinavir / Ritonavir

$203.71 per bottle

60tab

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Lopinavir Information

Lopinavir is a protease inhibitor primarily used in combination with ritonavir to treat HIV-1 infection. The fixed-dose tablet, widely known under the brand name Kaletra, blocks the viral protease enzyme, halting the maturation of new virus particles. Since its approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 200 and subsequent endorsement by the Singapore Ministry of Health, lopinavir-ritonavir has become a cornerstone of antiretroviral therapy. While its main indication remains HIV, the drug has been examined for other viral illnesses, most notably COVID-19, though such uses remain off-label. Generic formulations of lopinavir are available through our online pharmacy, offering a cost-effective alternative to brand-named products.

What is Lopinavir?

Lopinavir belongs to the class of HIV protease inhibitors, a group of antiretrovirals that target the enzyme responsible for cleaving viral polyproteins into functional components. The Singapore Ministry of Health first approved the lopinavir/ritonavir combination in 2002 for adult patients with HIV-1 infection, following the FDA’s initial clearance in 200. The drug is marketed globally as Kaletra, but generic versions are licensed in many countries, including Singapore, and can be purchased from our pharmacy service. By inhibiting the protease, lopinavir prevents the formation of mature, infectious virions, thereby reducing viral load and preserving immune function.

How Lopinavir Works

Mechanism of Action

Lopinavir binds competitively to the active site of HIV-1 protease, a dimeric aspartyl enzyme that cleaves the Gag-Pol polyprotein precursor. This binding halts the proteolytic processing of viral proteins, producing immature, non-infectious particles. Ritonavir is co-administered not for its antiviral potency but to inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4, boosting lopinavir plasma concentrations.

Therapeutic Effects

By stopping viral maturation, lopinavir/ritonavir yields a rapid decline in plasma HIV RNA levels. Clinical studies show median viral load reductions of >2 log₁₀ copies/mL within the first 12 weeks of therapy, translating into improved CD4⁺ T-cell counts and delayed progression to AIDS.

Onset and Duration

Peak plasma concentrations of lopinavir are reached 4-6 hours after oral intake. Therapeutic effect is observable within two weeks, with maximal viral suppression typically achieved after 8-12 weeks of continuous dosing. The half-life of lopinavir, extended by ritonavir, averages 5-6 hours, supporting a twice-daily dosing schedule.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

HIV-1 infection in adults: Recommended as part of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) by the Singapore Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization.
Pregnant women with HIV: Used when benefits outweigh potential risks; WHO includes it among preferred regimens for pregnant patients.

Off-Label Uses

COVID-19: Early in the pandemic, lopinavir/ritonavir was evaluated for SARS-CoV-2 treatment. Randomized trials (e.g., the RECOVERY trial) found no significant clinical benefit, and regulatory agencies have not approved this indication.
Hepatitis C (experimental): Small pilot studies explored protease inhibition in HCV, but evidence remains insufficient for routine use.

Clinical Efficacy

The ACTG 5202 trial, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, demonstrated that lopinavir/ritonavir combined with tenofovir/emtricitabine achieved virologic suppression in 84 % of participants at week 48, comparable to efavirenz-based regimens. Real-world data from Singapore’s national HIV registry confirm sustained viral suppression in >80 % of patients adherent to lopinavir-based therapy.

Buying Lopinavir from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Accessing lopinavir can be challenging for patients without a local pharmacy stock. Our online pharmacy bridges that gap, delivering both brand-named and generic formulations directly to your doorstep while maintaining strict privacy standards.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir): The widely recognized trademark.
Aluvia: A single-tablet formulation combining lopinavir with ritonavir.
Generic Lopinavir/Ritonavir: Produced by certified manufacturers and offered at up to 40 % lower cost than the branded product.

Quality & Safety

We partner with licensed international pharmacies that comply with WHO Good Manufacturing Practices, ensuring each tablet meets potency and purity specifications verified by independent laboratories.

Pricing & Access

Through our platform, generic lopinavir tablets are priced competitively, often saving patients up to SGD 30 per month compared with the brand name. A lifetime 10 % discount applies to all reorders, making long-term therapy more affordable.

Discreet Delivery

Orders ship via express (≈ 7 days) or standard (≈ 3 weeks) services. Every package is sealed in neutral, tamper-evident packaging to protect privacy and maintain product integrity.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Tablets: Fixed-dose combination of 200 mg lopinavir / 50 mg ritonavir, supplied in 100-tablet bottles.
Oral suspension: Concentrated liquid formulation for patients with swallowing difficulties; each mL contains 20 mg lopinavir / 5 mg ritonavir.

Typical Dosing Ranges

For adults initiating therapy, clinicians often prescribe 400 mg/100 mg of lopinavir/ritonavir twice daily (i.e., two tablets each dose). Dose adjustments may be required for hepatic impairment or drug-interaction scenarios, guided by therapeutic drug monitoring.

Administration Guidelines

Food: Lopinavir is best taken with a moderate-fat meal; food increases absorption by up to 30 %.
Timing: Maintain consistent 12-hour intervals to sustain plasma levels.
Missed dose: If a dose is forgotten within 8 hours, take it promptly; otherwise skip and resume the regular schedule.

A qualified healthcare provider must tailor the exact regimen to individual health status, concomitant medications, and laboratory results.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Diarrhea: Reported in 15-20 % of patients; generally mild to moderate.
Nausea and vomiting: Occur in ~10 % of users, often mitigated by taking the medication with food.
Elevated liver enzymes: Observed in 8 % of trials; routine monitoring recommended.
Hyperlipidaemia: Increases in triglycerides and cholesterol noted in 5-7 % of patients.

Serious Adverse Events

Hepatotoxicity: Rare but severe liver injury; immediate medical evaluation required if jaundice or severe fatigue develops.
QT interval prolongation: May precipitate arrhythmias, especially when combined with other QT-prolonging agents.

Contraindications

Severe hepatic impairment: Lopinavir/ritonavir is contraindicated due to altered metabolism.
Known hypersensitivity to lopinavir, ritonavir, or excipients.

Drug Interactions

CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., clarithromycin, ketoconazole): Can raise lopinavir levels, increasing toxicity risk.
CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, St. John’s wort): Lower lopinavir exposure, potentially compromising efficacy.
Other protease inhibitors or antiretrovirals: May require dose adjustments to avoid cumulative effects.

Special Populations

Pregnancy: Classified as Category C; benefits often outweigh risks, but careful fetal monitoring is advised.
Breastfeeding: Lopinavir is excreted in breast milk; clinicians usually recommend alternative regimens.
Older adults: Age-related decline in hepatic function may necessitate lower doses.
Renal or hepatic impairment: Dose reductions are common, guided by laboratory values and clinical judgement.

Professional medical guidance is essential to navigate these considerations safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between lopinavir and ritonavir? Lopinavir provides the primary antiviral activity by inhibiting HIV protease, while ritonavir acts as a pharmacokinetic booster, suppressing CYP3A4 to raise lopinavir levels.
How long does lopinavir take to work for HIV suppression? Patients typically notice a decline in viral load within two weeks, with maximal suppression reached after 8-12 weeks of consistent therapy.
Can I take lopinavir with a high-fat meal? Yes, a moderate-fat meal improves absorption; a high-fat meal may further increase plasma concentration but is not required.
What should I do if I experience persistent diarrhea? Contact your healthcare provider; they may adjust the regimen, suggest antidiarrheal medication, or evaluate for underlying infection.
Are there any foods I should avoid while on lopinavir? Grapefruit juice can inhibit CYP3A4 and raise lopinavir levels, increasing the risk of side effects. It is best to avoid it.
Is lopinavir safe for patients with mild liver disease? Mild hepatic impairment can be managed with close monitoring, but severe liver disease is a contraindication.
How does lopinavir interact with statins? Lopinavir can increase statin concentrations, particularly simvastatin and lovastatin, raising the risk of myopathy. Switching to a statin with fewer CYP3A4 interactions, such as pravastatin, is advisable.
Can I use lopinavir/ritonavir as a preventive measure after exposure to HIV? Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) regimens typically include other antiretrovirals; lopinavir/ritonavir is not a standard PEP component.
What monitoring is required while on lopinavir? Regular viral load testing, CD4⁺ counts, liver function tests, and lipid panels are recommended to assess efficacy and detect adverse effects.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing lopinavir?
- Complete medical history, including liver or kidney conditions.
- Full list of current medications, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements.
- Recent lab results (e.g., liver enzymes, lipid profile).
- Treatment goals, such as viral suppression targets and concerns about side effects.

Disclaimer

The information provided about lopinavir is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing lopinavir for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing lopinavir.