ritonavir
Definition
Noun 1. A specific antiretroviral drug: Ritonavir is a medication that belongs to the class of protease inhibitors. It is used primarily in the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, often in combination with other antiretroviral drugs. Its function is to inhibit an enzyme (protease) that HIV needs to replicate, thereby helping to control the virus.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The doctor prescribed a combination therapy that included ritonavir.
- Ritonavir is frequently used at a low dose to boost the levels of other protease inhibitors in the body.
- A common side effect of ritonavir can be gastrointestinal discomfort.
Advanced Usage
- Pharmacological Boosting: In modern HIV treatment, a low dose of ritonavir (or a similar agent, cobicistat) is often used not for its own antiviral effect, but to inhibit the enzymes that break down other protease inhibitors. This "boosts" the concentration and effectiveness of the primary drug in the regimen.
- Example: The regimen uses darunavir boosted with ritonavir.
Variants and Related Words
- Norvir (noun): The brand name or trade name for the drug ritonavir.
- Example: The prescription was written for Norvir.
Synonyms
- Protease inhibitor: This is the class of drugs to which ritonavir belongs. It is a more general term.
- Example: Several protease inhibitors, including ritonavir, are key components of HIV therapy.
Notes on Meaning
While ritonavir is an effective antiviral agent on its own, its primary contemporary use is in a supportive "boosting" role for other drugs. Its definition is intrinsically linked to its function as a protease inhibitor used in HIV treatment.
Noun
-
a protease inhibitor (trade name Norvir) used in treating HIV
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