Low-dose ritonavir for protease inhibitor pharmacokinetic enhancement.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the use of low-dose ritonavir as a pharmacokinetic enhancer for HIV protease inhibitors.


METHODS
Primary articles, review articles, and conference abstracts identified by MEDLINE search (1995-May 2001) and secondary sources.


RESULTS
Low-dose ritonavir (100-200 mg) is increasingly being combined with HIV protease inhibitors to improve their effectiveness and allow less frequent dosing. An evaluation of the clinical evidence supporting this practice was conducted.


CONCLUSIONS
Limited outcome data exist for low-dose ritonavir-based regimens in general. Although preliminary data appear promising, more clinical evidence is needed to determine the optimal dosing, long-term safety, and relative effectiveness of this approach. The role of these regimens in early therapy remains to be defined.
Rathbun
R Chris
RC
Department of Clinical and Administrative Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73117-1223, USA. chris-rathbun@ouhsc.edu
Rossi
Deanna R
DR
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004357:Drug Synergism; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D017320:HIV Protease Inhibitors / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D019469:Indinavir / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016239:MEDLINE; D008297:Male; D019438:Ritonavir / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D017320:HIV Protease Inhibitors; D019469:Indinavir; D019438:Ritonavir