Kaletra® Oral Solution for HIV-1 Treatment

What Kaletra® Is and How It Works

Kaletra Oral Solution contains lopinavir and ritonavir, a protease inhibitor combination used with other antiretrovirals to treat HIV‑1. The oral solution is 80 mg lopinavir/20 mg ritonavir per mL and is useful when tablets are not appropriate, including pediatric use. If you need Kaletra Oral Solution without insurance, you can compare Canadian prices and order with a valid prescription.

Youdrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba, and licensed pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing.

We also partner with vetted international pharmacies to source authentic brand medications across many therapies at affordable Canadian pricing.

Lopinavir blocks the HIV protease enzyme, which the virus needs to make mature, infectious particles. Ritonavir boosts lopinavir by slowing its breakdown in the liver (CYP3A inhibition). Together they increase and sustain antiviral levels. Kaletra Oral Solution is taken by mouth, usually twice daily with food. It is prescribed as part of a complete antiretroviral regimen.

Dosage and Usage

• Typical adult dose: 400 mg lopinavir/100 mg ritonavir twice daily. Using the 80/20 mg per mL solution, this equals 5 mL twice daily.
• Some patients may use 800/200 mg once daily, but this is not suitable with certain interacting medicines or in pregnancy. Follow your prescriber’s plan.
• Pediatric dosing is based on age and weight or body surface area. The clinician will calculate the mL per dose from the 80/20 mg per mL strength.
• Take Kaletra Oral Solution with food to improve absorption and tolerability.
• Measure each dose with an oral syringe or calibrated device. Do not use a household spoon.
• Do not mix with formula or milk for infants. The solution contains alcohol (ethanol) and propylene glycol.
• Swallow the measured dose directly. If taste is an issue, you may take it with a small amount of food, as advised by your care team.
• Missed dose: take it when remembered unless it is close to the next dose. If near the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double doses.
• Important restrictions: do not take with disulfiram or metronidazole due to the alcohol content. Do not use in infants younger than 14 days of age, or in premature neonates until they reach a corrected postnatal age as directed by a specialist.
• Always tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements. Kaletra has many drug interactions due to strong CYP3A inhibition.

• Refrigerate Kaletra Oral Solution at 2–8 °C (36–46 °F) when possible.
• If refrigeration is not available, store at or below 25 °C (77 °F) for up to 2 months. Do not expose to heat. Do not freeze.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed in the original container with the child‑resistant cap. The solution is flammable; keep away from open flame or high heat.
• For travel, use an insulated bag with cold packs. Keep upright to prevent leaks. Carry on rather than checking baggage.
• For flights, bring the prescription label and dosing syringe. Security agents may inspect liquids.
• Upon arrival, return the bottle to refrigeration. Do not use if the solution changes in appearance or smell.
• We ship with prompt, express, cold‑chain handling to protect temperature‑sensitive products.

Benefits and Savings

Kaletra Oral Solution offers proven antiviral efficacy against HIV‑1 when used with a complete regimen. The liquid form helps when swallowing tablets is difficult and allows precise pediatric dosing. Taking it with food can improve tolerability. Many patients see a strong drop in viral load and rising CD4 counts as adherence continues.

Ordering from Youdrugstore gives you access to Canadian pricing, which often provides 60–80% savings compared with typical US pharmacy prices. If you are paying Kaletra Oral Solution cost out of pocket or managing care without insurance, multi‑month supplies can lower the monthly price per bottle when available.

To see current offers, you can check our Kaletra Oral Solution coupon page for pharmacy promotions.

Side Effects and Safety

• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
• Gas, indigestion, decreased appetite, taste changes
• Headache, fatigue, trouble sleeping
• Rash or itching
• Elevated cholesterol and triglycerides
• Increased blood sugar or new/worsening diabetes
• Elevated liver enzymes

Serious risks are less common but include pancreatitis, severe liver problems, heart rhythm changes (PR or QT prolongation), severe skin reactions, and immune reconstitution syndrome. Because the solution contains alcohol and propylene glycol, toxicity can occur in neonates; it is contraindicated in infants younger than 14 days and in some premature infants. Increased bleeding can occur in people with hemophilia. Kaletra has many drug interactions; some combinations are contraindicated (e.g., rifampin, St. John’s wort, lovastatin, simvastatin, oral midazolam, triazolam, certain ergot medicines, and others). Review all medicines with your prescriber and pharmacist.

Onset Time

When Kaletra is started with a complete regimen and taken as directed, viral load often begins to fall within 2–8 weeks. CD4 counts may rise over several months. The degree and timing of response vary based on baseline viral load, adherence, and companion antiretrovirals. Continue regular lab monitoring as scheduled by your care team.

Compare With Alternatives

Kaletra is a boosted protease inhibitor regimen. Alternatives in the same class include darunavir boosted with ritonavir or cobicistat, which is widely used in adults and older children. Darunavir‑based regimens may offer once‑daily dosing in select patients and have a different resistance profile.

Atazanavir boosted with ritonavir is another protease inhibitor option. It can be effective but may cause bilirubin elevations and requires gastric acidity for absorption, which affects co‑administration with acid‑suppressing agents.

Outside the PI class, integrase strand transfer inhibitors such as dolutegravir or bictegravir (in fixed‑dose combinations) are common anchors for treatment‑naïve adults. The best choice depends on age, comorbidities, potential interactions, pregnancy status, resistance testing, and access considerations.

Combination Therapy

• Kaletra Oral Solution is used with two nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (e.g., tenofovir plus emtricitabine, or abacavir plus lamivudine).
• Do not add extra ritonavir; Kaletra already contains the booster.
• Avoid interacting agents that reduce efficacy or raise toxicity. Rifampin is contraindicated; rifabutin requires dose adjustments.
• Use caution with statins. Prefer pravastatin or carefully titrated atorvastatin; avoid simvastatin and lovastatin.
• Review acid reducers, anticonvulsants, antiarrhythmics, sedatives, and herbal supplements for interactions.
• During pregnancy, tablets are preferred; once‑daily dosing may not be suitable. Follow specialist guidance.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Kaletra Oral Solution may suit patients who need a liquid form, including children who meet age and weight criteria. It can be an option for adults who cannot swallow tablets or need dose flexibility. It is not suitable for neonates younger than 14 days or certain premature infants because of alcohol and propylene glycol content. People with severe liver disease need careful assessment.

Those taking multiple medicines should review potential interactions closely. Contraindicated combinations include rifampin, St. John’s wort, simvastatin, lovastatin, oral midazolam, triazolam, ergot derivatives, and some antipsychotics. Many other medicines need dose changes or alternatives. A current medication list helps your team choose safely.

Practical savings tips: you can set gentle reorder reminders to avoid gaps in therapy. When available, multi‑month quantities and bulk promotions can lower your per‑month Kaletra Oral Solution price. If you are comparing the Kaletra Oral Solution cash price without insurance, Canadian pharmacy pricing may offer meaningful savings.

A valid prescription is required. Pharmacists will verify dosing and interactions before dispensing.

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information for Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir)

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Kaletra

Manufacturer Product Monograph: Kaletra Oral Solution

Order Kaletra® from Youdrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold‑chain handling.

This material is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment, and dosing decisions.