Generic name: Ritonavir
Brand name: Norvir
General Information:
Norvir is an antiretroviral drug that has been labeled as a protease inhibitor. It reduces human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This protease inhibitor medication works by preventing a process that the HIV needs in order to multiply.
Apprise your physician or pharmacist for more information about the salubrious effects of this product.
Your doctor may prescribe this remedy for other purposes. Contact your physician if you need to learn more information about this drug.
Don’t stop treatment with Norvir earlier than it was prescribed by your doctor even if you notice improvements of your condition. Stopping the medication too early may worsen your condition. Be careful about doing dangerous tasks, driving, operating machinery or climbing until you are aware how this drug affects you. Don’t drink alcohol. The safety and efficacy in children under 12 years of age has not been established. Always contact a health care provider before giving Norvir to a child.
What should I tell my doctor before I take this drug?
Before using Norvir inform your medical practitioner if you have the following conditions:
- heart disorders (such as heart rhythm problems)
- liver or kidney disease
- any allergies
- a bleeding disorder (hemophilia)
- high cholesterol or triglycerides
- diabetes
- pregnancy, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant
How to take Norvir?
Note: This remedy was prescribed to you only. Don’t share this medicament with others. Follow strictly your doctor’s recommendations. Don’t take more or longer than your doctor recommended.
This drug is administered in the form of suspention (liquid) and capsules to take orally.
The average dose of Norvir suspention (liquid) and capsules is 600 milligrams. It should be taken every 12 hours, two times per day. The average dose of medicine for children is based on height and weight. The recommended maximum dosage for the drug for patients is 600 mg twice a day. This medicine should be accompanied by a full glass of water. It is important to drink several glasses of water each day while you are taking Norvir to protect your kidneys. You may take it with food or on an empty stomach. In order to understate stomach irritation and help your body absorb the drug is desirable to combine with food.
The capsules should be swallowed whole. Do not open, crush, chew or break them. Shake the oral solution well before each use to mix the drug evenly. Use a specially marked measuring spoon or medicine cup to be sure of the correct dose.
The dosage of Norvir depends on individuals and the diseases being treated. It is obviously to appeal to your doctor before to take this medicine. Follow your medic instructions carefully.
What should I do if I miss the dose?
If you miss the dose, try to take it as soon as you have the opportunity. If it is time for your next dose, take only one dose. You don’t have to double the dose.
Overdosage:
Taking any medicine in large doses you can have serious consequences for your health. If you feel an overdose, contact your health care professional instantly.
In large doses, this remedy may cause the following conditions:
- numbness, tingling in the arms, feet, legs, hands
- change in amount of urine
Interaction:
- amiodarone
- midazolam
- triazolam
- cisapride
- disulfiram
- eplerenone
- etravirine
- nisoldipine
- flecainide
- salmeterol
- MDMA
- meperidine
- quinidine
- nilotinib
- pimozide
- ranolazine
- St John’s wort
- statins
- thioridazine
- topotecan
- voriconazole
This list of interactions may be not complete. Provide your medical practitioners entire list of medicines, herbs, dietary supplements or non-prescription drugs you take. Moreover tell them whether you drink alcohol, use illegal drugs or smoke. Particular items may interact with your drug.
Side Effects:
- Allergic reaction (itching; hives; difficulty breathing; skin rash or swelling; swelling of your throat, face, lips or tongue)
- Weight changes
- Problems with breathing, chest pain
- Fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
- Nausea, vomiting
- Numbness, tingling in your hands or feet (tremor), muscle stiffness, or spasms
- Frequent urination, dark urine, diarrhea or loose stools
- Headache, dizziness, ringing in your ears or hearing loss
- Indigestion, or upset stomach, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, bloating, stomach gas, pain or cramps
- White patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips
- Fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Fatigue, faintness
- Loss of appetite
- Liver problems, an enlarged liver, yellowing eyes, skin
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
If these persist or worsen, provide your medic promptly. This is not a whole list of side effects and others may occur. If you feel other effects not stated above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Storage:
Norvir should be stored at room temperature, in a tightly closed container. Protect from moisture, direct heat, and light. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink. Keep Norvir out of the reach of children and away from animals.
Warning: Before taking the drug you need to consult your doctor. The information contained in this article is not intended to cover all possible precautions, drug interactions, adverse effects, directions, uses, allergic reactions or warnings.
He knows everything about medications – to which pharmacological group the drug belongs, what components are included in its composition, how it differs from its analogs, what indications, contraindications, and side effects remedy has. John is a real pro in his field, so he knows all these subtleties and wants to tell you about them.