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Norvir (ritonavir)
Norvir works by blocking the cytochrome P450 3A enzyme, which helps increase the levels of other medications in the body.
Norvir (ritonavir) is a small molecule drug developed by Abbvie, currently owned by the same company. It works as a cytochrome P450 3A inhibitor, targeting the enzyme to increase the levels of other medications. Norvir is approved to treat COVID-19, chronic hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus infection. The drug is off-patent, with multiple generic manufacturers available. Key safety considerations include its potential to interact with other medications.
At a glance
| Generic name | ritonavir |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | AbbVie |
| Drug class | Cytochrome P450 3A Inhibitor [EPC] |
| Target | Cytochrome P450 2C9 |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
| First approval | 1996 |
Mechanism of action
Ritonavir is an antiretroviral drug [see Microbiology 12.4)].
Approved indications
- COVID-19
- Chronic hepatitis C
- Human immunodeficiency virus infection
Common side effects
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain (upper and lower)
- Fatigue including asthenia
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Hypertriglyceridemia
- Musculoskeletal pain including arthralgia and back pain
- Headache including migraine
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Hemorrhoids
- Lymphadenopathy
Drug interactions
- CYP2C8 Substrates
- CYP2D6 Substrates
- CYP3A4 Substrates
- P-glycoprotein Substrates
- alfentanil
- boceprevir
- budesonide
- dexamethasone
- ergotamine
- estradiol
- estrone
- estropipate
Key clinical trials
- RECOVER-VITAL: Platform Protocol, Appendix to Measure the Effects of Paxlovid on Long COVID Symptoms (PHASE2)
- A Trial of 2 Options for Second Line Combination Antiretroviral Therapy Following Virological Failure of a Standard Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NNRTI)+2N(t)RTI First Line Regimen (PHASE4)
- Study of Cobicistat-Boosted Atazanavir (ATV/co), Cobicistat-Boosted Darunavir (DRV/co) and Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (F/TAF) in Children With HIV (PHASE2,PHASE3)
- A Study to Provide Continued Access to Study Drug to Children and Adolescents Who Have Completed Clinical Studies Involving Gilead HIV Treatments (PHASE4)
- Pharmacokinetics Safety and Acceptability of DRV/r for Children Living With HIV (PHASE1,PHASE2)
- Early Infant HIV Treatment in Botswana (PHASE2,PHASE3)
- OPtimisation of Antiviral Therapy in Immunocompromised COVID-19 Patients: a Randomized Factorial Controlled Strategy Trial (PHASE2)
- Finding Treatments for COVID-19: A Trial of Antiviral Pharmacodynamics in Early Symptomatic COVID-19 (PLATCOV) (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| FDA label | Mechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions |
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Norvir CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Norvir updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- AbbVie portfolio CI