title: Heat-stable ritonavir tablets: a new formulation of a pharmacokinetic enhancer for HIV.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  HIV is a worldwide epidemic that can be managed by combination antiretroviral therapy. Effective regimens commonly include the use of a ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor (PI). In February 2010, the FDA approved heat-stable ritonavir tablets for management of HIV; these do not require refrigeration and may improve patient access.
  
  
  METHODS
  The goal of this article is to review the ritonavir 100 mg heat-stable tablet formulation for the treatment of HIV, focusing on recent pharmacokinetic studies, safety and tolerability data, administration, and storage.
  
  
  RESULTS
  With recent FDA approval, it is important that clinicians and pharmacists are knowledgeable about the differences between heat-stable ritonavir tablets and the previous soft-gel-capsule (SGC) formulation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Heat-stable ritonavir tablets are not bioequivalent to previous SGC and differ in regards to storage requirements. Despite this, ritonavir tablets appear to be well tolerated and may provide additional options for selected patients with HIV.
authors.affiliation: Nova Southeastern University, College of Pharmacy, 3200 South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33328, USA. elizabeth.sherman@nova.edu
authors.forename: Elizabeth M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Sherman
authors.forename: Jennifer G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Steinberg
mesh_terms: D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D004355:Drug Stability; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017320:HIV Protease Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D019438:Ritonavir / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013607:Tablets; D013810:Therapeutic Equivalency
chemical_list: D017320:HIV Protease Inhibitors; D013607:Tablets; D019438:Ritonavir