Children

Ritonavir (Norvir) is approved for use in children aged over two years in Europe and over one month in the United States . Body surface area is used for dosing in children at a recommended twice daily dose of 350mg/m2 twice daily, not exceeding 600mg twice daily. The starting dose is 250mg/m2, increasing by 50mg/m2 every two to three days until the final dose is reached.

Triple drug combinations including ritonavir are effective in children, with similar side-effect profiles to adults, even in those with prior treatment exposure.1 2 3 4 5 The approval of ritonavir for children aged as young as one month was based on good results of a combination of ritonavir, AZT (zidovudine, Retrovir) and 3TC (lamivudine, Epivir) in 50 HIV-positive children.6

The liquid formulation of ritonavir is bitter. If children cannot stand the taste, it can be disguised by being given after peanut butter and followed with chocolate sauce or cheese. Alternatively, it can be mixed into chocolate milk.

References

  1. Nachman SA et al. Nucleoside analogs plus ritonavir in stable antiretroviral therapy-experienced HIV-infected children: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 283: 492-498, 2000
  2. Horneff G et al. Preliminary experiences with ritonavir in children with advanced HIV infection. Infection 27: 103-107, 1999
  3. Mueller BU A phase I / II study of the protease inhibitor ritonavir in children with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Pediatrics 101: 335-343, 1998
  4. Pelton SI et al. A one year experience: T cell responses and viral replication in children with advanced human immunodeficiency virus type 1 disease treated with combination therapy including ritonavir. Pediatr Infect Dis J 18: 650-652, 1999
  5. Johnson SR et al. Cushing syndrome with secondary arterial insufficiency from concomitant therapy with ritonavir and fluticasone. J Pediatr 148: 294-295, 2006
  6. Gould Chadwick E et al. Ritonavir-based highly active antiretroviral therapy in human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected infants younger than 24 months of age. Pediatr Infect Dis J 24: 793-800, 2005
Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.