Kaletra and Alcohol Interaction
Kaletra and Alcohol
Kaletra generic name lopinavir and ritonavir is acombination of the two drugs and belong to the family of antiviral drugs that prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in the body. It should not be considered a cure for the disease.
Do not drink alcohol while using this drug as it will cause side effects to greatly increase.
At this time the medical community defines moderate consumption of alcohol as no more than two drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week. Anything more than that is considered an unhealthy dependency on alcohol that may have adverse social, family and health consequences.
If a person drinks only once or twice a week but drinks on the same days each week and more than two drinks this is considered as an alcohol dependency.
If a person binge drinks at any time during the week this is also considered as alcoholism.
Some consider alcoholism as a disease while others consider it an addiction which is the result of personal choice and character fault. This school of thought blames the alcoholism on life style choices.
Personally I consider alcoholism a genetic tendency as I have seen families of alcoholics even when they live far apart. These unfortunate people are probably dependent on alcohol from the first drink.
When alcohol interacts with prescription over the counter drugs it usually results in negative health effects most especially liver damage as the main organ affected.
It is suggested that before taking this or any other drug you have a frank and honest discussion with your physician as to your drinking habits. This may be difficult as many alcoholics are in a state of denial as to their drinking habits.
I have also noticed that many alcoholics are not subject to the morning after illness that most of us suffer through when we drink too much. Severe alcoholics usually find if they feel “shakey” in the morning, a drink will make them feel more normal.
Advise your physician as to drugs you are already using as there may be serious side effects. Advise your physician if you are pregnant, plan to be so or are breastfeeding allergic to these or any other drugs or substances, have liver disease especially hepatitis B or C, heart disease, heart rhythm disorder, history of Long QT Syndrome, pancreatic problems, diabetes, low levels of potassium in your blood, bleeding disorder or hemophilia, high cholesterol or triglyceride levels in your blood or if you have ever used a protease inhibitor in the past.
Side Effects
Less serious side effects are mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, mild skin rash, headache, weakness, feeling tired, changes in the shape or location of body fat especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts and waist. If thses occur call your physician for advice.
Serious side effects are dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats, vision changes, extreme urination or thirst, painful penis erection of 4 hours or more, signs of a new infection such as fever, chills, cough or flu symptoms, severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea, vomiting, fast heart rate, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay coloured stools, jaundice, severe skin reaction such as fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads in the face or upper body especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts and waist. If these occur get emergency medical help.
This site serves as an information source only and does not dispense medical advice or any other kind of advice. If you are seeking medical advice you are advised to consult your own physician.
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