Lopinavir and ritonavir is the first HIV-1 protease inhibitor (PI). Number of clinical studies have specified the clinical efficacy of lopinavir and ritonavir in both the antiretroviral-naïve as well as in experienced patients. The virologic benefits and immunologic benefits with this combined drug treatment have been proven in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected adults, adolescents, and children. On behalf of some other studies, the use of combined lopinavir ritonavir monotherapy as a therapeutic option in certain patients. The drug is characterized by a high genetic barrier in order to a resistance, and also the medication appears to be more forgiving of non-adherence than earlier, unboosted PIs.
HIV-1 protease is an aspartic protease that cleaves both structural and functional proteins from precursor viral polypeptide strands and fulfills an essential role in the viral life cycle. Inhibition of the protease produces immature, non-infectious virions. Lopinavir is basically a potent inhibitor of HIV-1 protease. The coformulation of lopinavir ritonavir tablets produces its antiviral effect by inhibiting the formation of infectious virions, thus preventing subsequent waves of cellular infection.
Indication: Lopinavir Ritonavir combination is an HIV-1 protease inhibitor indicated in combination with the other ARV agents in order to the treatment of adult patients with HIV-1 infection and also pediatric patients.
The most frequent side effects observed are diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. These gastrointestinal adverse effects can be generally mild to moderate. Metabolic derangements, including hyperlipidemia and glucose intolerance, have also been observed in lopinavir and ritonavir recipients. As the menu of existing ARV agents (antiretroviral) continues to expand, lopinavir and ritonavir remains a proven and effective drug for the treatment of HIV infection.
