HA4791 Ritonavir, CAS 155213-67-5

Ritonavir Description

Ritonavir is an HIV protease inhibitor that interferes with the reproductive cycle of HIV. The mechanism of action of the anti-HIV drug lopinavir and ritonavir is to block the enzymes required for virus replication. Lopinavir/ritonavir have been shown to reduce coronavirus levels that cause SARS and MERS in animal studies.

Ritonavir is an HIV protease inhibitor that interferes with the reproductive cycle of HIV.

Ritonavir Specifications

Ritonavir Applications

Ritonavir is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infected patients (adults and children of 2 years of age and older).

FAQs about Ritonavir

Q: What does the drug ritonavir do?

A: Ritonavir is an antiviral medication used to treat HIV/AIDS. It works by inhibiting HIV protease, an enzyme essential for viral replication. It is also used as a "booster" to enhance the effectiveness of other HIV drugs.

Q: What are the side effects of ritonavir?

A: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and fatigue. It may also cause more serious effects like liver problems or changes in heart rhythm.

Q: Why is ritonavir not used alone?

A: Ritonavir is not used alone because it is primarily effective as a pharmacokinetic enhancer (booster) to increase the levels of other HIV protease inhibitors, improving their efficacy. It has limited antiviral activity when used by itself.

Reference:

1. L. Morissette; S. Soukasene; D. Levinson; M. J. Cima; O. Almarsson (2003). “Elucidation of crystal form diversity of the HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir by high-throughput crystallization”
2. Hsieh, Yi-Ling; Ilevbare, Grace A.; Van Eerdenbrugh, Bernard; Box, Karl J.; Sanchez-Felix, Manuel Vincente; Taylor, Lynne S. (2012-05-12). “pH-Induced Precipitation Behavior of Weakly Basic Compounds: Determination of Extent and Duration of Supersaturation Using Potentiometric Titration and Correlation to Solid State Properties”. Pharmaceutical Research. 29 (10): 2738–2753.
3. Nieminen, Tuija H.; Hagelberg, Nora M.; Saari, Teijo I.; Neuvonen, Mikko; Neuvonen, Pertti J.; Laine, Kari; Olkkola, Klaus T. (2010). “Oxycodone concentrations are greatly increased by the concomitant use of ritonavir or lopinavir/ritonavir”. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 66 (10): 977–985.