How will you take a protease inhibitor?

Protease Inhibitors & You

You will take the protease inhibitor orally (by mouth). Whichever protease inhibitor you take, it is important to set a medication routine and stick to it. Some medications work best if taken on an empty stomach, while others must be taken with food, or with a large amount of water. Your doctor or pharmacist should give you specific instructions for taking your medication. The chart below has information about dosage and special instructions for each of the approved protease inhibitors.

Protease Inhibitor Dosage Information Special Instructions

nelfinavir (Viracept) (1,2,3) 3 tablets, 3 times a day (9 total tablets each day) Take with a meal or a snack. Keep at room temperature.

saquinavir (Invirase) 3 capsules, 3 times a day (9 total capsules each day) Take within 2 hours of a full meal. Keep at room temperature.

indinavir (Crixivan) 2 capsules, 3 times a day (6 total capsules each day) Take on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Drink at least 1˝ liters of liquid every day. Keep at room temperature in original bottle.

ritonavir (Norvir) (1,2,3) 6 capsules, 2 times a day (12 total capsules each day)
OR
7.5 mL liquid Norvir, 2 times a day
Take with meals. Keep refrigerated.

1) Phenylketonurics: Viracept oral powder contains 11.2 mg phenylalanine per gram.
2) Persons with hemophilia should be monitored for increased bleeding.
3) Interferes with effectiveness of birth control pills; a different method or backup should be used.

Protease Inhibitor	Dosage Information	Special Instructions
nelfinavir (Viracept) (1,2,3)	3 tablets, 3 times a day (9 total tablets each day)	Take with a meal or a snack. Keep at room temperature.
saquinavir (Invirase)	3 capsules, 3 times a day (9 total capsules each day)	Take within 2 hours of a full meal. Keep at room temperature.
indinavir (Crixivan)	2 capsules, 3 times a day (6 total capsules each day)	Take on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Drink at least 1˝ liters of liquid every day. Keep at room temperature in original bottle.
ritonavir (Norvir) (1,2,3)	6 capsules, 2 times a day (12 total capsules each day) OR 7.5 mL liquid Norvir, 2 times a day	Take with meals. Keep refrigerated.

NELFINAVIR (VIRACEPT) DOSAGE INFORMATION FOR CHILDREN

Body Weight Dosage

15.5 lb to <18.5 lb 4 scoops or 1 teaspoon

18.5 lb to <23 lb 5 scoops or 1 ź teaspoons

23 lb to <26.5 lb 6 scoops or 1 ˝ teaspoons

26.5 lb to <31 lb 7 scoops or 1 ž teaspoons

31 lb to <35 lb 8 scoops or 2 teaspoons

35 lb to <39.5 lb 9 scoops or 2 ź teaspoons

39.5 lb to <50.5 lb 10 scoops or 2 ˝ teaspoons

50.5 lb+ 15 scoops or 3 ž teaspoons

NELFINAVIR (VIRACEPT) DOSAGE INFORMATION FOR CHILDREN
Body Weight	Dosage
15.5 lb to <18.5 lb	4 scoops or 1 teaspoon
18.5 lb to <23 lb	5 scoops or 1 ź teaspoons
23 lb to <26.5 lb	6 scoops or 1 ˝ teaspoons
26.5 lb to <31 lb	7 scoops or 1 ž teaspoons
31 lb to <35 lb	8 scoops or 2 teaspoons
35 lb to <39.5 lb	9 scoops or 2 ź teaspoons
39.5 lb to <50.5 lb	10 scoops or 2 ˝ teaspoons
50.5 lb+	15 scoops or 3 ž teaspoons

RITONAVIR (NORVIR) DOSAGE INFORMATION FOR CHILDREN

Body Surface Area Liquid Dosage

0.25 m(sq) 1.25 mL

0.50 m(sq) 2.5 mL

1.00 m(sq) 5 mL

1.25 m(sq) 6.25 mL

1.50 m(sq) 7.5 mL

RITONAVIR (NORVIR) DOSAGE INFORMATION FOR CHILDREN
Body Surface Area	Liquid Dosage
0.25 m(sq)	1.25 mL
0.50 m(sq)	2.5 mL
1.00 m(sq)	5 mL
1.25 m(sq)	6.25 mL
1.50 m(sq)	7.5 mL

Remember that you may be taking other antiviral drugs with the protease inhibitor. Planning when to take several different medications can be tricky, so review the instructions carefully and ask for some help from your doctor or pharmacist if you have trouble staying on schedule.

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