Norvir: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects

Norvir: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects

Since the development of antiretroviral therapy, several antiviral medications have been introduced. One of these medications is Norvir, which has been used for many years. It is used for one sole purpose: to treat one of the world’s life-threatening infections – HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Let’s learn more about this drug, recommended dosages, safety precautions and potential side effects.

What is Norvir?

Norvir is a prescription medicine that treats HIV. It relieves symptoms of the infection and prevents its ability to multiply. This medicine is part of a group of protease inhibitors that block a specific enzyme HIV uses to replicate. For this purpose, Norvir has the upper hand in preventing complications that the virus plots. It also interferes with HIV’s infective workings toward the CD4 cells.

Like other antiretroviral medicines, Norvir supports the immune system’s function in fighting against the infection. This process prevents HIV from advancing to a more severe stage called AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Norvir improves the quality of life by allowing HIV-positive people to live longer and have a healthy lifestyle.

Norvir is available under the generic name Ritonavir. It can be used alone or with other anti-HIV medications.

Precautions and Warnings

Do not use Norvir if you are allergic to it. Note that such a bodily reaction can be fatal, so avoid using this medicine for safety purposes. You can opt for another antiviral drug that your healthcare professional will recommend.

To ensure that Norvir is safe for you to consume, tell your healthcare professional if you have a history of the following conditions:

• Cardiovascular condition
• Diabetes
• Liver disease
• Hemophilia (a bleeding disorder)

Drug interaction is also a possibility during your treatment with Norvir. The condition happens if you are also taking other forms of medications. This makes your treatment with Norvir less effective. Ensure you inform your healthcare professional about other drugs you currently take.

Dosage

Before receiving a prescription for Norvir, your healthcare professional will check on some factors. These include the following:

• Age and weight
• Medical history
• Other forms of medicines you take

After checking these, your healthcare professional will provide a prescription containing your daily dosage. The recommended dosage for Norvir is as follows:

Adult dose for HIV infection (if used as a sole protease inhibitor):

• Take 300 mg orally twice per day.
• For maintenance dosage, take 600 mg orally twice per day.

Adult dose for HIV infection (if used as a booster for other protease inhibitors):

• Take 100 to 400 mg orally per day, either in 1 or 2 divided doses.

Pediatric dose for HIV infection (if used as a sole protease inhibitor):

• Take 250 mg/m2 orally twice per day.
• For maintenance dosage, take 350 to 400 mg/m2 orally twice per day.

Note: If Norvir is used as a booster for other protease inhibitors for pediatric doses, dosage consultation is necessary to prevent complications with the treatment. Besides tablets, Norvir is also available in powder and oral solution forms.

How to take Norvir?

Take Norvir by mouth. Avoid chewing or breaking it if you are using its tablet form. It is also essential to take this medicine with meals. It lessens the possibility of having stomachaches during the treatment.

If you use the oral solution form, shake it well before utilizing it. Use a dose-measuring device to ensure you get the correct dosage. Follow the doctor’s instructions carefully, especially if you are administering this treatment to infants.

Avoid missing doses. If you forget one dose, move on to your next dosage. You can also set the alarm to help you get notified of your treatment schedule.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea
• Numbness
• Tiredness
• Skin rashes
• Weight loss

Severe side effects:

• Irregular heartbeat
• Lightheadedness
• Unusual bleeding
• Pain in the lower back
• Bloody urine
• Painful urination
• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Loss of appetite
• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)