ritonavir, a protease inhibitor. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed in the treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, as part of a multidrug regimen including at least three antiretroviral drugs. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Hypersensitivity to ritonavir precludes its use. Concurrent use of any of several other drugs is either contraindicated or warrants caution, including ergot derivatives, benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics, some antiarrhythmic medications, some HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins), some erectile dysfunction medicines, and some analgesics. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Protease inhibitors cause problems with lipid metabolism and lead to hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia and redistribution of body fat (e.g., buffalo hump), central obesity, breast enlargement, and facial atrophy. Additional side effects often reported include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and numbness about the lips.
