Lopinavir and Ritonavir is a prescription medicine (Protease Inhibitor; Cytochrome P450 3A Inhibitor). The sections below reproduce one FDA label for it, named under "Label". Products in other forms, strengths or from other makers have their own labels, which can differ.
- Type
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Brand names
- Kaletra
- Drug class
- Protease Inhibitor; Cytochrome P450 3A Inhibitor
- Taken
- Oral
- Label
- AbbVie Inc., revised July 23, 2026 · full label on DailyMed
- Generic
- FDA-approved (5 companies) · details
What it is used for
KALETRA is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients 14 days and older. Limitations of Use: Genotypic or phenotypic testing and/or treatment history should guide the use of KALETRA. The number of baseline lopinavir resistance-associated substitutions affects the virologic response to KALETRA [see Microbiology ( 12.4 )] . KALETRA is an HIV-1 protease inhibitor indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients (14 days and older). ( 1 )
Forms and strengths
Tablets: 200 mg lopinavir, 50 mg ritonavir: Red, film-coated, ovaloid, debossed with the code AL containing 200 mg lopinavir and 50 mg ritonavir. 100 mg lopinavir, 25 mg ritonavir: Pink, film-coated, ovaloid, debossed with the code AC containing 100 mg lopinavir and 25 mg ritonavir. Oral Solution: Light yellow to orange colored liquid containing 400 mg lopinavir and 100 mg ritonavir per 5 mL (80 mg lopinavir and 20 mg ritonavir per mL). Tablets: 200 mg lopinavir and 50 mg ritonavir ( 3 ) Tablets: 100 mg lopinavir and 25 mg ritonavir ( 3 ) Oral solution: 80 mg lopinavir and 20 mg ritonavir per milliliter ( 3 )
Who should not take it (contraindications)
KALETRA is contraindicated in patients with previously demonstrated clinically significant hypersensitivity (e.g., toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, urticaria, angioedema) to any of its ingredients, including ritonavir. KALETRA is contraindicated with drugs that are highly dependent on CYP3A for clearance and for which elevated plasma concentrations are associated with serious and/or life-threatening reactions [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Alpha 1- Adrenoreceptor Antagonist: alfuzosin Antianginal: ranolazine Antiarrhythmic: dronedarone Anti-gout: colchicine Antipsychotics: lurasidone, pimozide Ergot Derivatives: dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine GI Motility Agent: cisapride Hepatitis C direct acting antiviral: elbasvir/grazoprevir HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors: lovastatin, simvastatin Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP) Inhibitor: lomitapide Non-opioid Analgesic (selective blocker of Nav1.8 sodium channels): suzetrigine PDE5 Inhibitor: sildenafil (Revatio ® ) when used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension Sedative/Hypnotics: triazolam, orally administered midazolam KALETRA is contraindicated with drugs that are potent CYP3A inducers where significantly reduced lopinavir plasma concentrations may be associated with the potential for loss of virologic response and possible resistance and cross-resistance [see Drug Interactions ( 7.2 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Anticancer Agents: apalutamide Antimycobacterial: rifampin Herbal Products: St. John's Wort (hypericum perforatum) Hypersensitivity to KALETRA (e.g., toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, urticaria, angioedema) or any of its ingredients, including ritonavir. ( 4 ) Co-administration with drugs highly dependent on CYP3A for clearance and for which elevated plasma levels may result in serious and/or life-threatening events. ( 4 ) Co-administration with potent CYP3A inducers where significantly reduced lopinavir plasma concentrations may be associated with the potential for loss of virologic response and possible resistance and cross resistance. ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
The following have been observed in patients receiving KALETRA: The concomitant use of KALETRA and certain other drugs may result in known or potentially significant drug interactions. Consult the full prescribing information prior to and during treatment for potential drug interactions. ( 5.1 , 7.3 ) Toxicity in preterm neonates: KALETRA oral solution should not be used in preterm neonates in the immediate postnatal period because of possible toxicities. A safe and effective dose of KALETRA oral solution in this patient population has not been established. ( 2.4 , 5.2 ) Pancreatitis: Fatalities have occurred; suspend therapy as clinically appropriate. ( 5.3 ) Hepatotoxicity: Fatalities have occurred. Monitor liver function before and during therapy, especially in patients with underlying hepatic disease, including hepatitis B and hepatitis C, or marked transaminase elevations. ( 5.4 , 8.6 ) QT interval prolongation and isolated cases of torsade de pointes have been reported although causality could not be established. Avoid use in patients with congenital long QT syndrome, those with hypokalemia, and with other drugs that prolong the QT interval. ( 5.1 , 5.5 , 12.3 ) PR interval prolongation may occur in some patients. Cases of second and third degree heart block have been reported. Use with caution in patients with pre-existing conduction system disease, ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, underlying structural heart disease or when administering with other drugs that may prolong the PR interval. ( 5.1 , 5.6 , 12.3 ) Patients may develop new onset or exacerbations of diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia ( 5.7 ), immune reconstitution syndrome. ( 5.8 ), redistribution/accumulation of body fat. ( 5.10 ) Total cholesterol and triglycerides elevations. Monitor prior to therapy and periodically thereafter. ( 5.9 ) Hemophilia: Spontaneous bleeding may occur, and additional factor VIII may be required. ( 5.11 )
5.1 Risk of Serious Adverse Reactions Due to Drug Interactions Initiation of KALETRA, a CYP3A inhibitor, in patients receiving medications metabolized by CYP3A or initiation of medications metabolized by CYP3A in patients already receiving KALETRA, may increase plasma concentrations of medications metabolized by CYP3A. Initiation of medications that inhibit or induce CYP3A may increase or decrease concentrations of KALETRA, respectively. These interactions may lead to: Clinically significant adverse reactions, potentially leading to severe, life-threatening, or fatal events from greater exposures of concomitant medications. Clinically significant adverse reactions from greater exposures of KALETRA. Loss of therapeutic effect of KALETRA and possible development of resistance. See Table 12 for steps to prevent or manage these possible and known significant drug interactions, including dosing recommendations [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . Consider the potential for drug interactions prior to and during KALETRA therapy; review concomitant medications during KALETRA therapy, and monitor for the adverse reactions associated with the concomitant medications [see Contraindications ( 4 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7 )] .
5.2 Toxicity in Preterm Neonates KALETRA oral solution contains the excipients ethanol, approximately 42% (v/v) and propylene glycol, approximately 15% (w/v). When administered concomitantly with propylene glycol, ethanol competitively inhibits the metabolism of propylene glycol, which may lead to elevated concentrations. Preterm neonates may be at increased risk of propylene glycol-associated adverse events due to diminished ability to metabolize propylene glycol, thereby leading to accumulation and potential adverse events. Postmarketing life-threatening cases of cardiac toxicity (including complete AV block, bradycardia, and cardiomyopathy), lactic acidosis, acute renal failure, CNS depression and respiratory complications leading to death have been reported, predominantly in preterm neonates receiving KALETRA oral solution. KALETRA oral solution should not be used in preterm neonates in the immediate postnatal period because of possible toxicities. A safe and effective dose of KALETRA oral solution in this patient population has not been established. However, if the benefit of using KALETRA oral solution to treat HIV infection in infants immediately after birth outweighs the potential risks, infants should be monitored closely for increases in serum osmolality and serum creatinine, and for toxicity related to KALETRA oral solution including: hyperosmolality, with or without lactic acidosis, renal toxicity, CNS depression (including stupor, coma, and apnea), seizures, hypotonia, cardiac arrhythmias and ECG changes, and hemolysis. Total amounts of ethanol and propylene glycol from all medicines that are to be given to infants should be taken into account in order to avoid toxicity from these excipients [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 ) and Overdosage ( 10 )] .
5.3 Pancreatitis Pancreatitis has been observed in patients receiving KALETRA therapy, including those who developed marked triglyceride elevations. In some cases, fatalities have been observed. Although a causal relationship to KALETRA has not been established, marked triglyceride elevations are a risk factor for development of pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] . Patients with advanced HIV-1 disease may be at increased risk of elevated triglycerides and pancreatitis, and patients with a history of pancreatitis may be at increased risk for recurrence during KALETRA therapy. Pancreatitis should be considered if clinical symptoms (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain) or abnormalities in laboratory values (such as increased serum lipase or amylase values) suggestive of pancreatitis occur. Patients who exhibit these signs or symptoms should be evaluated and KALETRA and/or other antiretroviral therapy should be suspended as clinically appropriate.
5.4 Hepatotoxicity Patients with underlying hepatitis B or C or marked elevations in transaminase prior to treatment may be at increased risk for developing or worsening of transaminase elevations or hepatic decompensation with use of KALETRA. There have been postmarketing reports of hepatic dysfunction, including some fatalities. These have generally occurred in patients with advanced HIV-1 disease taking multiple concomitant medications in the setting of underlying chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis. A causal relationship with KALETRA therapy has not been established. Elevated transaminases with or without elevated bilirubin levels have been reported in HIV-1 mono-infected and uninfected patients as early as 7 days after the initiation of KALETRA in conjunction with other antiretroviral agents. In some cases, the hepatic dysfunction was serious; however, a definitive causal relationship with KALETRA therapy has not been established. Appropriate laboratory testing should be conducted prior to initiating therapy with KALETRA and patients should be monitored closely during treatment. Increased AST/ALT monitoring should be considered in the patients with underlying chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis, especially during the first several months of KALETRA treatment [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 )]. 5.5 QT Interval Prolongation Postmarketing cases of QT interval prolongation and torsade de pointes have been reported although causality of KALETRA could not be established. Avoid use in patients with congenital long QT syndrome, those with hypokalemia, and with other drugs that prolong the QT interval [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . 5.6 PR Interval Prolongation Lopinavir/ritonavir prolongs the PR interval in some patients. Cases of second or third degree atrioventricular block have been reported. […]
Side effects (adverse reactions)
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling. QT Interval Prolongation, PR Interval Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 , 5.6 )] Drug Interactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Commonly reported adverse reactions to KALETRA included diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact AbbVie Inc. at 1-800-633-9110 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reactions rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. Adverse Reactions in Adults The safety of KALETRA has been investigated in about 2,600 patients in Phase II-IV clinical trials, of which about 700 have received a dose of 800/200 mg (6 capsules or 4 tablets) once daily. Along with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), in some studies, KALETRA was used in combination with efavirenz or nevirapine. In clinical studies the incidence of diarrhea in patients treated with either KALETRA capsules or tablets was greater in those patients treated once daily than in those patients treated twice daily. Any grade of diarrhea was reported by at least half of patients taking once daily Kaletra capsules or tablets. At the time of treatment discontinuation, 4.2-6.3% of patients taking once daily Kaletra and 1.8-3.7% of those taking twice daily Kaletra reported ongoing diarrhea. Commonly reported adverse reactions to KALETRA included diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia. Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting may occur at the beginning of the treatment while hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia may occur later. The following have been identified as adverse reactions of moderate or severe intensity (Table 8): Table 8. Adverse Reactions of Moderate or Severe Intensity Occurring in at Least 0.1% of Adult Patients Receiving KALETRA in Combined Phase II/IV Studies (N=2,612) System Organ Class (SOC) and Adverse Reaction n % BLOOD AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEM DISORDERS anemia* 54 2.1 leukopenia and neutropenia* 44 1.7 lymphadenopathy* 35 1.3 CARDIAC DISORDERS atherosclerosis such as myocardial infarction* 10 0.4 atrioventricular block* 3 0.1 tricuspid valve incompetence* 3 0.1 EAR AND LABYRINTH DISORDERS vertigo* 7 0.3 tinnitus 6 0.2 ENDOCRINE DISORDERS hypogonadism* 16 0.8 1 EYE DISORDERS visual impairment* 8 0.3 GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS diarrhea* 510 19.5 nausea 269 10.3 vomiting* 177 6.8 abdominal pain (upper and lower)* 160 6.1 gastroenteritis and colitis* 66 2.5 dyspepsia 53 2.0 pancreatitis* 45
1.7 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)* 40 1.5 hemorrhoids 39 1.5 flatulence 36 1.4 abdominal distension 34 1.3 constipation* 26 1.0 stomatitis and oral ulcers* 24 0.9 duodenitis and gastritis* 20 0.8 gastrointestinal hemorrhage including rectal hemorrhage* 13 0.5 dry mouth 9 0.3 gastrointestinal ulcer* 6 0.2 fecal incontinence 5 0.2 GENERAL DISORDERS AND ADMINISTRATION SITE CONDITIONS fatigue including asthenia* 198 7.6 HEPATOBILIARY DISORDERS hepatitis including AST, ALT, and GGT increases* 91 3.5 hepatomegaly 5 0.2 cholangitis 3 0.1 hepatic steatosis 3 0.1 IMMUNE SYSTEM DISORDERS hypersensitivity including urticaria and angioedema* 70 2.7 immune reconstitution syndrome 3 0.1 INFECTIONS AND INFESTATIONS upper respiratory tract infection* 363 13.9 lower respiratory tract infection* 202 7.7 skin infections including cellulitis, folliculitis, and furuncle* 86 3.3 METABOLISM AND NUTRITION DISORDERS hypercholesterolemia* 192 7.4 hypertriglyceridemia* 161 6.2 weight decreased* 61 2.3 decreased appetite 52 2.0 blood glucose disorders including diabetes mellitus* 30 1.1 weight increased* 20 0.8 lactic acidosis* 11 0.4 increased appetite 5 0.2 MUSCULOSKELETAL AND CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISORDERS musculoskeletal pain including arthralgia and back pain* 166 6.4 myalgia* 46 1.8 muscle disorders such as weakness and spasms* 34 1.3 rhabdomyolysis* 18 0.7 osteonecrosis 3 0.1 NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS headache including migraine* 165 6.3 insomnia* 99 3.8 neuropathy and peripheral neuropathy* 51 2.0 dizziness* 45 1.7 ageusia* 19 0.7 convulsion* 9 0.3 tremor* 9 0.3 cerebral vascular event* 6 0.2 PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS anxiety* 101 3.9 abnormal dreams* 19 0.7 libido decreased 19 0.7 RENAL AND URINARY DISORDERS renal failure* 31 1.2 hematuria* 20 0.8 nephritis* 3 0.1 REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM AND BREAST DISORDERS erectile dysfunction* 34 1.7 1 menstrual disorders – amenorrhea, menorrhagia* 10 1.7 2 SKIN AND SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE DISORDERS rash including maculopapular rash* 99 3.8 lipodystrophy acquired including facial wasting* 58 2.2 dermatitis/rash including eczema and seborrheic dermatitis* 50 1.9 night sweats* 42 1.6 pruritus* 29 1.1 alopecia 10 0.4 capillaritis and vasculitis* 3 0.1 VASCULAR DISORDERS hypertension* 47 1.8 deep vein thrombosis* 17 0.7 *Represents a medical concept including several similar MedDRA PTs 1. Percentage of male population (N=2,038) 2. Percentage of female population (N=574) Laboratory Abnormalities in Adults The percentages of adult patients treated with combination therapy with Grade 3-4 laboratory abnormalities are presented in Table 9 (treatment-naïve patients) and Table 10 (treatment-experienced patients). Table 9. Grade 3-4 Laboratory Abnormalities Reported in ≥ 2% of Adult Antiretroviral-Naïve Patients Study 863 (48 Weeks) Study 720 (360 Weeks) Study 730 (48 Weeks) Variable Limit 1 KALETRA 400/100 mg Twice Daily + d4T +3TC (N = 326) Nelfinavir 750 mg Three Times Daily + d4T + 3TC (N = 327) KALETRA Twice Daily + d4T + 3TC (N = 100) KALETRA Once Daily + TDF +FTC (N=333) KALETRA Twice Daily + TDF +FTC (N=331) Chemistry High Glucose > 250 mg/dL 2% 2% 4% 0% <1% Uric Acid > 12 mg/dL 2% 2% 5% <1% 1% SGOT/ AST 2 > 180 U/L 2% 4% 10% 1% 2% SGPT/ ALT 2 >215 U/L 4% 4% 11% 1% 1% GGT >300 U/L N/A N/A 10% N/A N/A Total Cholesterol >300 mg/dL 9% 5% 27% 4% 3% Triglycerides >750 mg/dL 9% 1% 29% 3% 6% Amylase >2 x ULN 3% 2% 4% N/A N/A Lipase >2 x ULN N/A N/A N/A 3% 5% Chemistry Low Calculated Creatinine Clearance <50 mL/min N/A N/A N/A 2% 2% Hematology Low Neutrophils <0.75 x 10 9 /L 1% 3% 5% 2% 1% 1 ULN = upper limit of the normal range; N/A = Not Applicable. 2 Criterion for Study 730 was >5x ULN (AST/ALT). Table 10. Grade 3-4 Laboratory Abnormalities Reported in ≥ 2% of Adult Protease Inhibitor-Experienced Patients Study 888 (48 Weeks) Study 957 2 and Study 765 3 (84-144 Weeks) Study 802 (48 Weeks) Variable Limit 1 KALETRA 400/100 mg Twice Daily + NVP + NRTIs (N = 148) Investigator-Selected Protease Inhibitor(s) + NVP + NRTIs (N = 140) KALETRA Twice Daily + NNRTI + NRTIs (N = 127) KALETRA 800/200 mg Once Daily +NRTIs (N=300) KALETRA 400/100 mg Twice Daily +NRTIs (N=299) Chemistry High Glucose >250 mg/dL 1% 2% 5% 2% 2% Total Bilirubin >3.48 mg/dL 1% 3% 1% 1% 1% SGOT/AST 4 >180 U/L 5% 11% 8% 3% 2% SGPT/ALT 4 >215 U/L 6% 13% 10% 2% 2% GGT >300 U/L N/A N/A 29% N/A N/A Total Cholesterol >300 mg/dL 20% 21% 39% 6% 7% Triglycerides >750 mg/dL 25% 21% 36% 5% 6% Amylase >2 x ULN 4% 8% 8% 4% 4% Lipase >2 x ULN N/A N/A N/A 4% 1% Creatine Phosphokinase >4 x ULN N/A N/A N/A 4% 5% Chemistry Low Calculated Creatinine Clearance <50 mL/min N/A N/A N/A 3% 3% Inorganic Phosphorus <1.5 mg/dL 1% 0% 2% 1% <1% Hematology Low Neutrophils <0.75 x 10 9 /L 1% 2% 4% 3% 4% Hemoglobin <80 g/L 1% 1% 1% 1% 2% 1 ULN = upper limit of the normal range; N/A = Not Applicable. 2 Includes clinical laboratory data from patients receiving 400/100 mg twice daily (n = 29) or 533/133 mg twice daily (n = 28) for 84 weeks. Patients received KALETRA in combination with NRTIs and efavirenz. […]
Drug interactions
Co-administration of KALETRA can alter the plasma concentrations of other drugs and other drugs may alter the plasma concentrations of lopinavir. The potential for drug-drug interactions must be considered prior to and during therapy. ( 4 , 5.1 , 7 , 12.3 )
7.1 Potential for KALETRA to Affect Other Drugs Lopinavir/ritonavir is an inhibitor of CYP3A and may increase plasma concentrations of agents that are primarily metabolized by CYP3A. Agents that are extensively metabolized by CYP3A and have high first pass metabolism appear to be the most susceptible to large increases in AUC (> 3-fold) when co-administered with KALETRA. Thus, co-administration of KALETRA with drugs highly dependent on CYP3A for clearance and for which elevated plasma concentrations are associated with serious and/or life-threatening events is contraindicated. Co-administration with other CYP3A substrates may require a dose adjustment or additional monitoring as shown in Table 12. Additionally, KALETRA induces glucuronidation. Published data suggest that lopinavir is an inhibitor of OATP1B1. These examples are a guide and not considered a comprehensive list of all possible drugs that may interact with lopinavir/ritonavir. The healthcare provider should consult appropriate references for comprehensive information.
7.2 Potential for Other Drugs to Affect Lopinavir Lopinavir/ritonavir is a CYP3A substrate; therefore, drugs that induce CYP3A may decrease lopinavir plasma concentrations and reduce KALETRA’s therapeutic effect. Although not observed in the KALETRA/ketoconazole drug interaction study, co-administration of KALETRA and other drugs that inhibit CYP3A may increase lopinavir plasma concentrations.
7.3 Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions Table 12 provides a listing of established or potentially clinically significant drug interactions. Alteration in dose or regimen may be recommended based on drug interaction studies or predicted interaction [see Contraindications ( 4 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] for magnitude of interaction. Table 12. Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions Concomitant Drug Class: Drug Name Effect on Concentration of Lopinavir or Concomitant Drug Clinical Comments HIV-1 Antiviral Agents HIV-1 Protease Inhibitor: fosamprenavir/ritonavir ↓ amprenavir ↓ lopinavir An increased rate of adverse reactions has been observed with co-administration of these medications. Appropriate doses of the combinations with respect to safety and efficacy have not been established. HIV-1 Protease Inhibitor: indinavir* ↑ indinavir Decrease indinavir dose to 600 mg twice daily, when co-administered with KALETRA 400/100 mg twice daily. KALETRA once daily has not been studied in combination with indinavir. HIV-1 Protease Inhibitor: nelfinavir* ↑ nelfinavir ↑ M8 metabolite of nelfinavir ↓ lopinavir KALETRA once daily in combination with nelfinavir is not recommended [see Dosage and Administration ( 2 )] . HIV-1 Protease Inhibitor: ritonavir* ↑ lopinavir Appropriate doses of additional ritonavir in combination with KALETRA with respect to safety and efficacy have not been established. HIV-1 Protease Inhibitor: saquinavir ↑ saquinavir The saquinavir dose is 1000 mg twice daily, when co-administered with KALETRA 400/100 mg twice daily. KALETRA once daily has not been studied in combination with saquinavir. HIV-1 Protease Inhibitor: tipranavir* ↓ lopinavir Co-administration with tipranavir (500 mg twice daily) and ritonavir (200 mg twice daily) is not recommended. HIV CCR5 – Antagonist: maraviroc* ↑ maraviroc When co-administered, patients should receive 150 mg twice daily of maraviroc. For further details see complete prescribing information for maraviroc. Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors: efavirenz*, nevirapine* ↓ lopinavir Increase the dose of KALETRA tablets to 500/125 mg when KALETRA tablet is co-administered with efavirenz or nevirapine. KALETRA once daily in combination with efavirenz or nevirapine is not recommended [see Dosage and Administration ( 2 )] . Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor: delavirdine ↑ lopinavir Appropriate doses of the combination with respect to safety and efficacy have not been established. Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor: didanosine KALETRA tablets can be administered simultaneously with didanosine without food. For KALETRA oral solution, it is recommended that didanosine be administered on an empty stomach; therefore, didanosine should be given one hour before or two hours after KALETRA oral solution (given with food). Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor: tenofovir disoproxil fumarate* ↑ tenofovir Patients receiving KALETRA and tenofovir should be monitored for adverse reactions associated with tenofovir. Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors: abacavir zidovudine ↓ abacavir ↓ zidovudine The clinical significance of this potential interaction is unknown. Other Agents Alpha 1- Adrenoreceptor Antagonist: alfuzosin ↑ alfuzosin Contraindicated due to potential hypotension [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Analgesics Opioid: methadone* fentanyl Non-opioid analgesic (selective blocker of Na v 1.8 sodium channels): suzetrigine ↓ methadone ↑ fentanyl ↑ suzetrigine and active metabolite M6-SUZ Dosage of methadone may need to be increased when co-administered with KALETRA. Careful monitoring of therapeutic and adverse effects (including potentially fatal respiratory depression) is recommended when fentanyl is concomitantly administered with KALETRA. Co-administration contraindicated due to potential for serious and/or life-threatening suzetrigine adverse reactions [ see Contraindications ( 4 ) ] . Antianginal: ranolazine ↑ ranolazine Contraindicated due to potential for serious and/or life-threatening reactions [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Antiarrhythmics: dronedarone ↑ dronedarone Contraindicated due to potential for cardiac arrhythmias [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Antiarrhythmics e.g. amiodarone, bepridil, lidocaine (systemic), quinidine ↑ antiarrhythmics Caution is warranted and therapeutic concentration monitoring (if available) is recommended for antiarrhythmics when co-administered with KALETRA. Anticancer Agents: abemaciclib, apalutamide, encorafenib, ibrutinib, ivosidenib, dasatinib, neratinib, nilotinib, venetoclax, vinblastine, vincristine ↑ anticancer agents ↓lopinavir/ritonavir # Apalutamide is contraindicated due to potential for loss of virologic response and possible resistance to KALETRA or to the class of protease inhibitors [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Avoid co-administration of encorafenib or ivosidenib with KALETRA due to potential risk of serious adverse events such as QT interval prolongation. If co-administration of encorafenib with KALETRA cannot be avoided, modify dose as recommended in encorafenib USPI. If co-administration of ivosidenib with KALETRA cannot be avoided, reduce ivosidenib dose to 250 mg once daily. Avoid use of neratinib, venetoclax or ibrutinib with KALETRA. For vincristine and vinblastine, consideration should be given to temporarily withholding the ritonavir-containing antiretroviral regimen in patients who develop significant hematologic or gastrointestinal side effects when KALETRA is administered concurrently with vincristine or vinblastine. If the antiretroviral regimen must be withheld for a prolonged period, consideration should be given to initiating a revised regimen that does not include a CYP3A or P-gp inhibitor. A decrease in the dosage or an adjustment of the dosing interval of nilotinib and dasatinib may be necessary for patients requiring co-administration with strong CYP3A inhibitors such as KALETRA. Please refer to the nilotinib and dasatinib prescribing information for dosing instructions. Anticoagulants: warfarin, rivaroxaban ↑↓ warfarin ↑ rivaroxaban Concentrations of warfarin may be affected. […]
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and older adults
Lactation: Breastfeeding not recommended. ( 8.2 )
8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to KALETRA during pregnancy. Physicians are encouraged to register patients by calling the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry at 1-800-258-4263. Risk Summary Available data from the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry show no difference in the risk of overall major birth defects compared to the background rate for major birth defects of 2.7% in the U.S. reference population of the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program (MACDP) (see Data) . The estimated background rate of miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies in the U.S. general population is 15-20%. The background risk for major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. Methodological limitations of the APR include the use of MACDP as the external comparator group. The MACDP population is not disease-specific, evaluates women and infants from a limited geographic area, and does not include outcomes for births that occurred at <20 weeks gestation (see Data) . No treatment-related malformations were observed when lopinavir in combination with ritonavir was administered to pregnant rats or rabbits; however embryonic and fetal developmental toxicities occurred in rats administered maternally toxic doses. Clinical Considerations Dose Adjustments During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period Administer 400/100 mg of KALETRA twice daily in pregnant patients with no documented lopinavir-associated resistance substitutions [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . There are insufficient data to recommend KALETRA dosing for pregnant patients with any documented lopinavir-associated resistance substitutions. No dose adjustment of KALETRA is required for patients during the postpartum period. Once daily KALETRA dosing is not recommended in pregnancy. Avoid use of KALETRA oral solution during pregnancy due to the ethanol content. KALETRA oral solution contains the excipients ethanol, approximately 42% (v/v and propylene glycol, approximately 15%. Data Human Data KALETRA was evaluated in 12 HIV-infected pregnant women in an open-label pharmacokinetic trial [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . No new trends in the safety profile were identified in pregnant women dosed with KALETRA compared to the safety described in non-pregnant adults, based on the review of these limited data. Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry Data: Based on prospective reports from the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry (APR) of over 3,000 exposures to lopinavir containing regimens (including over 1,000 exposed in the first trimester), there was no difference between lopinavir and overall birth defects compared with the background birth defect rate of 2.7% in the U.S. reference population of the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program. The prevalence of birth defects in live births was 2.1% (95% CI: 1.4%-3.0%) following first-trimester exposure to lopinavir-containing regimens and 3.0% (95% CI: 2.4%-3.8%) following second and third trimester exposure to lopinavir-containing regimens. Based on prospective reports from the APR of over 5,000 exposures to ritonavir containing regimens (including over 2,000 exposures in the first trimester) there was no difference between ritonavir and overall birth defects compared with the U.S. background rate (MACDP). The prevalence of birth defects in live births was 2.2% (95% CI: 1.7%-2.8%) following first-trimester exposure to ritonavir-containing regimens and 2.9% (95% CI: 2.4%-3.6%) following second and third trimester exposure to ritonavir-containing regimens. For both lopinavir and ritonavir, sufficient numbers of first trimester exposures have been monitored to detect at least a 1.5 fold increase in risk of overall birth defects and a 2 fold increase in risk of birth defects in the cardiovascular and genitourinary systems. Animal Data Embryonic and fetal developmental toxicities (early resorption, decreased fetal viability, decreased fetal body weight, increased incidence of skeletal variations and skeletal ossification delays) occurred in rats administered lopinavir in combination with ritonavir (on gestation days 6-17) at a maternally toxic dosage. Based on AUC measurements, the drug exposures in rats at the toxic doses were approximately 0.7 times (for lopinavir) and 1.8 times (for ritonavir) the exposures in humans at the recommended therapeutic dose (400/100 mg twice daily). In a pre- and post-natal study in rats, a developmental toxicity (a decrease in survival in pups between birth and postnatal Day 21) occurred. No embryonic and fetal developmental toxicities were observed in rabbits administered lopinavir in combination with ritonavir (on gestation days 6-18) at a maternally toxic dosage. Based on AUC measurements, the drug exposures in rabbits at the toxic doses were approximately 0.6 times (for lopinavir) and similar to (for ritonavir) the exposures in humans at the recommended therapeutic dose (400/100 mg twice daily).
8.2 Lactation Risk Summary The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that HIV-1 infected mothers not breastfeed their infants to avoid risking postnatal transmission of HIV-1. Because of the potential for: 1) HIV transmission (in HIV-negative infants), 2) developing viral resistance (in HIV- positive infants), and 3) adverse reactions in the breastfed infant, instruct mothers not to breastfeed if they are receiving KALETRA.
8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Contraception Use of KALETRA may reduce the efficacy of combined hormonal contraceptives. Advise patients using combined hormonal contraceptives to use an effective alternative contraceptive method or an additional barrier method of contraception [see Drug Interactions ( 7.3 )] .
8.4 Pediatric Use The safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetic profiles of KALETRA in pediatric patients below the age of 14 days have not been established. KALETRA should not be administered once daily in pediatric patients. An open-label, multi-center, dose-finding trial was performed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile, tolerability, safety and efficacy of KALETRA oral solution containing lopinavir 80 mg/mL and ritonavir 20 mg/mL at a dose of 300/75 mg/m 2 twice daily plus two NRTIs in HIV-infected infants ≥14 days and < 6 months of age. Results revealed that infants younger than 6 months of age generally had lower lopinavir AUC 12 than older children (6 months to 12 years of age), however, despite the lower lopinavir drug exposure observed, antiviral activity was demonstrated as reflected in the proportion of subjects who achieved HIV-1 RNA <400 copies/mL at Week 24 [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ), Clinical Studies ( 14.4 )] . Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients > 6 months of age was demonstrated in a clinical trial in 100 patients. The clinical trial was an open-label, multicenter trial evaluating the pharmacokinetic profile, tolerability, safety, and efficacy of KALETRA oral solution containing lopinavir 80 mg/mL and ritonavir 20 mg/mL in 100 antiretroviral naïve and experienced pediatric patients ages 6 months to 12 years. Dose selection for patients 6 months to 12 years of age was based on the following results. The 230/57.5 mg/m 2 oral solution twice daily regimen without nevirapine and the 300/75 mg/m 2 oral solution twice daily regimen with nevirapine provided lopinavir plasma concentrations similar to those obtained in adult patients receiving the 400/100 mg twice daily regimen (without nevirapine) [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ), Clinical Studies ( 14.4 )] . […]
How it works
KALETRA is a fixed-dose combination of HIV-1 antiviral drugs lopinavir [see Microbiology ( 12.4 )] and ritonavir. As co-formulated in KALETRA, ritonavir inhibits the CYP3A-mediated metabolism of lopinavir, thereby providing increased plasma levels of lopinavir.
Is there a generic Lopinavir and Ritonavir?
Yes. The FDA has approved generic Lopinavir and Ritonavir from 5 companies whose approvals are active. The earliest of these was approved in 2021.
An FDA approval does not always mean the generic is already in pharmacies: patent disputes and settlements can delay a launch for years. Your pharmacist can tell you whether a generic is actually available and covered by your plan.
The FDA rates these generics as therapeutically equivalent to the brand ("A" rating): same active ingredient, strength, dosage form and effect. Pharmacists can usually substitute them unless the prescriber says otherwise.
Companies with an approved generic
Hetero Labs Ltd Iii, Laurus, Macleods Pharms, Micro Labs, Mylan Labs Ltd
Brand-name versions
- Lopinavir And Ritonavir Cipla Ltd Discontinued
- Kaletra Abbvie, approved 2000
Source: Drugs@FDA (via openFDA), checked October 29, 2026. Marketing status is what companies report to the FDA; whether a pharmacy stocks a product, and what your insurance covers, can differ.
Dosage:
we do not reproduce dosing instructions. The right dose depends on the person and the condition and is set by the prescriber or pharmacist. Dosage section of the full label.
Lopinavir and ritonavir in the news
We have not covered this medicine yet. Latest news
Products being discontinued
| Product | Availability | Expected supply / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kaletra, Oral Solution, 80 mg/1 mL; 20 mg/1 mL (NDC 0074-3956-46) AbbVie Inc. |
Discontinuation of the manufacture of the drug Being discontinued · July 24, 2026 |
|
| Kaletra, Tablet, 100 mg; 25 mg (NDC 0074-0522-60) AbbVie Inc. |
Discontinuation of the manufacture of the drug Being discontinued · July 24, 2026 |
|
| Kaletra, Tablet, 200 mg; 50 mg (NDC 0074-6799-22) AbbVie Inc. |
Discontinuation of the manufacture of the drug Being discontinued · July 24, 2026 |
|
| Kaletra, Tablet, 200 mg; 50 mg (NDC 0074-4014-12) AbbVie Inc. |
Discontinuation of the manufacture of the drug Being discontinued · July 24, 2026 |
|
| Kaletra, Tablet, 100 mg; 25 mg (NDC 0074-3008-60) AbbVie Inc. |
Discontinuation of the manufacture of the drug Being discontinued · July 24, 2026 |
Recalls
No recalls matched to this medicine in FDA enforcement reports from the last 3 years (or older ones still open). Search all recalls
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Source: FDA structured product labeling, retrieved through openFDA. Label text is shown as published by the FDA, without editing; long sections are shortened, marked […]. openFDA data are not validated for clinical use — always check the current label and ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own treatment. Set ID 8290add3-4449-4e58-6c97-8fe1eec972e3.