الأدوية والمكملات الغذائية

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 Medication Guide. Read and follow the instructions carefully before starting treatment and each time you refill your prescription. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any doses. If you need help in planning the best times to take your medicine, check with your doctor.

Lopinavir and ritonavir combination must be taken with other medicines that are used to treat HIV. 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 lopinavir and ritonavir oral liquid be taken with food. Use a calibrated dosing syringe or medicine cup to measure the dose for the oral liquid. It may also be given through some types of feeding tubes (eg, silicone and polyvinyl chloride [PVC]). Do not use a polyurethane feeding tube to give this medicine.

Lopinavir and ritonavir tablets may be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush, break, or chew them.

If you are also using didanosine (Videx®), take it 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking Kaletra® oral liquid. Didanosine can be taken (without food) at the same time as Kaletra® tablets.

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 form (solution):
    • Adults—400 milligrams (mg) of lopinavir and 100 mg of ritonavir (5 milliliters [mL]) two times a day with food or 800 mg of lopinavir and 200 mg of ritonavir (10 mL) once a day with food. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
    • Children 6 months and older—Dose is based on body weight or body size and must be determined by your child's doctor. The recommended dose is 10 to 12 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight or 230 milligrams per square meter (mg/m[2]) of body size for lopinavir and 2.5 to 3 mg/kg or 57.5 (mg/m[2]) for ritonavir two times a day with food. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
    • Children 14 days to 6 months of age—Dose is based on body weight or body size and must be determined by your child's doctor. The recommended dose is 16 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight or 300 milligrams per square meter (mg/m[2]) of body size for lopinavir and 4 mg/kg or 75 (mg/m[2]) for ritonavir two times a day with food.
    • Children younger than 14 days of age—Use is not recommended, unless your doctor determines it is safe to be given.
  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • Adults—400 milligrams (mg) of lopinavir and 100 mg of ritonavir (2 tablets) two times a day or 800 mg of lopinavir and 200 mg of ritonavir (4 tablets) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
    • Children 6 months and older—The child must be able to swallow a tablet whole. Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your child's doctor. The recommended dose is 200 to 400 milligrams (mg) of lopinavir and 50 to 100 mg of ritonavir (2 to 4 tablets) two times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
    • Children 14 days to 6 months of age—This dosage form is usually not used for infants. Please refer to the oral solution dosage form.
    • Infants younger than 14 days of age—Use is not recommended, unless your doctor determines it is safe to be given.

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.

It is best to store the Kaletra® oral liquid in a closed container in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. If you must store the liquid at room temperature, use the medicine within 2 months and keep it away from excessive heat.

The Kaletra® tablets should be stored in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not store this medicine out of the original container and in places with high humidity for more than 2 weeks.