LOPIKAST

DESCRIPTION

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Brand name: Lopikast

Generic name: Lopinavir and Ritonavir

Strength: 200 mg/50 mg

Manufacturer: Aprazer Healthcare

Dosage form: Tablets

Indication: HIV and AIDS

Storage: Store at room temperature.

Overview

Lopikast is an anti-HIV drug that is used in the treatment of patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection. This medication is also prescribed to relieve the symptoms and severity of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It comprises two antiretroviral formulations namely Lopinavir and Ritonavir. The regimen is available in the form of tablets for oral administration with a fixed strength of 200 mg/50 mg. Lopikast works by interfering with the protease and stops the production of new viruses in the body.

Pharmacodynamics

Lopinavir (Lopikast): The HIV life cycle is divided into three stages: assembly, which involves the production and packaging of essential viral components; budding, which occurs when the viral particle crosses the plasma membrane of the host cell and forms a lipid envelope; and maturation, which occurs when the viral particle changes its structure and becomes infectious. This compound hinders the cycle.

Ritonavir (Lopikast): Ritonavir is a protease inhibitor having efficacy against Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) (HIV-1). Protease inhibitors block the portion of HIV termed protease. HIV-1 protease is a proteolytic enzyme that converts viral polyprotein precursors into individual functional proteins seen in infectious HIV-1.

Interactions

Lopikast (Lopinavir/Ritonavir) tablets are known to interact with the following. Make sure to read and discuss the possibility with your doctor.

With Medicines

  • Azithromycin
  • Glycerol
  • Phenytoin Sodium
  • Valproate Sodium

With Diseases

  • Hemophilia
  • Hyperlipidemia
  • Heart block
  • Hepatotoxicity
  • Hyperglycemia

With Alcohol

  • Lopikast (Lopinavir/Ritonavir) can interact with alcohol and related drinks. This may cause severe effects. However, limited studies are available to justify this.

Contraindications

Lopikast (Lopinavir/Ritonavir) should not be administered in the following cases.

  • Toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • Erythema multiforme
  • Urticaria
  • Angioedema

Alternate Brands

The following are some substitutes for Lopikast (Lopinavir/Ritonavir) tablets.

  • Lopimune
  • Alltera
  • Ritocom

Lopikast (Lopinavir/Ritonavir) tablets can cause certain side effects after administration. It is, thus, important to know and discuss the same with the doctor prior to the therapy.

  • Unusual sweating
  • Skin rash
  • Itching
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Stomach ache
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Taste change
  • Blurred vision
  • Confusion
  • Weight loss
  • Nausea
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Sweating
  • Mood changes
  • Dizziness
  • Indigestion
  • Constipation
  • Redness of skin

 

Note: Contact your health practitioner immediately if the adverse events occur and worsen with time.

Take Lopikast (Lopinavir/Ritonavir) tablets orally with a glass of water at the same time every day. Do not change the dose strength of the regimen unless your health practitioner prescribes it.

Missed Dose

Consult your health practitioner if you miss a dose of Lopikast (Lopinavir/Ritonavir) tablets. Do not initiate any change in the schedule or strength on your own.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention from a health practitioner if you experience any symptoms of overdose after administration.

Warnings For Females

  • Pregnancy
    • The health practitioner may not prescribe Lopikast (Lopinavir/Ritonavir) tablets during pregnancy due to their influence on the health of the unborn baby.
  • Breastfeeding
    • If your health practitioner prescribes Lopikast (Lopinavir/Ritonavir) tablets, make sure to avoid breastfeeding.

Precautions

  • Contraception
    • During your treatment with Lopikast (Lopinavir/Ritonavir), make sure to use effective contraceptives to hinder pregnancy or transmission of the virus.
  • Dose
    • Do not change the frequency or strength of your prescribed dose of Lopikast (Lopinavir/Ritonavir) unless your health practitioner prescribes it.

Cautions

  • Alcohol
    • Lopikast (Lopinavir/Ritonavir) can interact with alcohol and related drinks. This may cause severe effects. However, limited studies are available to justify this.
  • Driving
    • Lopikast (Lopinavir/Ritonavir) tablets can cause dizziness or blurred vision after administration. Don’t drive if you do not feel well.

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