Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not change the dose or stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. When your supply of this medicine is running low, contact your doctor or pharmacist ahead of time. Do not allow yourself to run out of this medicine.

This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet and patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Read it again each time you refill your prescription in case there is new information. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Ritonavir must be taken with other medicines that are used to treat HIV infection. Take all of the medicines your doctor has prescribed at the right time of day and in correct order. Do not stop using your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

It is important that ritonavir be taken with food.

Swallow the capsule or tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

For patients taking the oral liquid:

  • Shake the bottle well before using.
  • Use a specially marked measuring syringe or cup to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.
  • You can mix the oral liquid with chocolate milk or nutritional drinks (eg, Ensure® or Advera®) to make it taste better. You should drink this medicine within 1 hour of mixing.
  • This form of ritonavir contains alcohol and propylene glycol. Do not use a polyurethane feeding tube to give this medicine.

For patients taking the oral powder:

  • Check the label on the carton for the number of packets that you need to prepare a dose. Do not open a packet until you are ready to use it.
  • Mix the oral powder with food (eg, applesauce, vanilla pudding) or liquid (eg, water, infant formula, chocolate milk). If you will use a feeding tube to take this medicine, use water to mix the powder.
  • Use the mixture within 2 hours of preparing the dose. Be sure to drink or swallow all of it. Throw away the mixture if not used within 2 hours and prepare a new dose.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For treatment of HIV infection:
    • For oral dosage forms (capsules, solution, powder, or tablets):
      • Adults—600 milligrams (mg) 2 times per day.
      • Children 1 month of age and older—Dose is based on body size and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 350 to 400 milligrams per square meter (mg/[m]2) of body size 2 times per day. The doctor will adjust your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 600 mg two times per day.
      • Children younger than 1 month of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the capsules in the refrigerator or at room temperature in a closed container. If stored at room temperature, use the medicine within 30 days. Keep away from heat and direct light.

Store the oral liquid in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not refrigerate.

Store the oral powder in its packet container at room temperature or in a cool, dry place, away from heat and direct light.

Store the tablets in a closed container at room temperature or in a cool, dry place, away from heat and direct light. Do not store this medicine out of the original container in places with high humidity for more than 2 weeks.