Ritonavir

Ritonavir is an inhibitor of HIV-1 protease with a high bioavailability (60-80%). The most common adverse effects of ritonavir are gastrointestinal disturbances, circumoral paresthesia, elevated hepatic aminotransferase levels, altered taste, and hypertriglyceridemia. Caution is advised when administering the drug to persons with impaired hepatic function. This drug should be refrigerated for storage. HIV-1 isolates resistant to ritonavir are cross-resistant to indinavir.