Antiretroviral (Protease Inhibitor)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Lopinavir/Ritonavir is a combination of two antiviral medicines that work together to fight HIV (the virus that causes AIDS). Lopinavir blocks an enzyme the virus needs to multiply, while ritonavir boosts the level of lopinavir in your blood so it works better.
Inhibits HIV protease enzyme, preventing the cleavage of viral polyprotein precursors and blocking the maturation of infectious viral particles. Ritonavir enhances lopinavir bioavailability by inhibiting cytochrome P450 metabolism, allowing sustained therapeutic concentrations.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
For adults, the usual dose is 2 tablets (each containing Lopinavir 200 mg/Ritonavir 50 mg) taken twice a day — morning and evening. You can take the tablets with or without food, but taking them with food helps your body absorb the medicine better and reduces stomach upset. Swallow the tablets whole; do not crush or chew them. Always take this drug as part of a combination with other HIV medicines as prescribed by your doctor.
If you miss a dose and it is less than 6 hours until your next dose, skip the missed one and take your next dose at the normal time. If there is more than 6 hours before the next dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Always get this medicine from a licensed pharmacy or your HIV treatment centre — never buy antiretroviral drugs from roadside sellers or unverified sources as fake drugs are common and dangerous. Do not skip doses or stop taking it because you feel better — HIV medicines must be taken consistently every day to keep the virus under control. Do not share your medication with anyone, even if they also have HIV, as their doctor may need to prescribe a different combination or dose.
Do not take with rifampicin (commonly used to treat TB in Nigeria) as it makes lopinavir/ritonavir much less effective — your doctor may use rifabutin instead. Avoid taking with herbal remedies containing St. John's Wort as it reduces the drug's effectiveness. Alcohol should be avoided as it increases the risk of liver damage and worsens side effects.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Lopinavir; with your other drugs?
Lopinavir/Ritonavir can be used during pregnancy to prevent passing HIV to your baby, but only under your doctor's supervision — do not start or stop it on your own during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Store tablets at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid keeping it in places like your car or near a window. The oral solution should be stored in a refrigerator if possible, but can be kept at room temperature (up to 25°C) for up to 42 days. Keep all forms away from moisture and out of the reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Lopinavir; Ritonavir?
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