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Norvir (ritonavir) is a protease inhibitor used, usually with other medications, to treat HIV/AIDS in both children and adults. The medication is also used to treat hepatitis C, and is currently being researched to treat cancer and other conditions.

As an HIV/AIDS treatment, Norvir is nearly always used with other antiretrovirals (other protease inhibitors and integrase inhibitors). The second major antiretroviral made widely available on the market, Norvir has since been replaced to some degree with more effective and safer antiretrovirals. However, it still plays an important role in boosting the other medications; it promotes their absorption and inhibits their expulsion from the body, thus causing levels to be higher in the blood. This makes the other medications more effective at lower doses, an important function.

Norvir and medications it supports bind to proteases in viruses, interfering with the virus' ability to replicate itself. This slows progression of the disease and makes spread less likely, though still possible. Patients who make use of Norvir and similar medications live longer and are sick less often than those who don't.

The percentage of persons dying from HIV/AIDS has dropped by about 60 percent since the introduction of antiretrovirals in the mid-90s. Used properly, Norvir can make a tremendous difference in the duration and quality of a patient's life.

Dosage & Administration

Norvir can be used by patients 1 month old and up, though of course modified dosing is required in children. The medication is available in four formulations:

• Tablets, used by adults.
• Soft-gel capsules, also used by adults.
• Oral solution, used by children and adults who can't swallow tablets or capsules.
• Oral powder, used by very young children. The powder can be mixed in fluids or soft foods.

All formulas except the oral solution are metered in 100 mg doses. Partial doses are not recommended.

Standard dosage in adults is:

• Take 600 mg twice per day, for a total of 1200 mg.
• Always take with food.

In practice, however, the above is rarely followed; smaller doses are administered to boost other medications being taken, as described above. Side effects from Norvir appear to be dose-dependent, and at 1200 mg per day, side effects are likely and can be severe. Patients will need to speak with a doctor, who can take into account all the personal variables involved with each individual, for ideal dosage.

Each dose, whatever its size, should be taken with food. Tablets and soft-gels should be swallowed whole, not split, crushed, or chewed. If a dose is missed it should be skipped entirely; resume treatment with the next dose.

Adverse Reactions

Side effects from Norvir appear to be dose-dependent; the higher the dose, the more likely side effects will occur and the more severe they'll be. This is particularly true in children; if a child has taken too much Norvir, emergency medical attention should be sought even if no symptoms are present.

In adults, most commonly experienced are:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Appetite loss
• Diarrhea
• Numbness or tingling around the mouth
• Taste changes

Less commonly patients that buy Norvir may experience more serious side effects, which call for emergency medical attention. Patients should be alert for:

• Rapid or erratic heartbeat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty breathing
• Problems with balance
• Problems with eye movements

Norvir can alter the way the immune system works, making patients more prone to infections. This can happen months after starting treatment. Be alert for symptoms, including fever, sweating, mouth or genital sores, diarrhea, and so forth.

The medication can also cause issues with the pancreas and liver. Symptoms include severe stomach pain that radiates to the back, excessive itching, dark urine, and jaundice.

This product can interact with a range of other medications, including over-the-counter supplements, antacids, and so forth. Always check with a doctor before taking other medications during treatment with Norvir.