Kaletra is the brand name for lopinavir co-formulated with ritonavir (lopinavir/r). Lopinavir inhibits HIV protease, preventing the cleavage of the viral Gag-Pol polyprotein into mature structural proteins. Ritonavir serves as a pharmacokinetic booster (CYP3A4 inhibitor), not as an active antiretroviral at the dose used.

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How to Pronounce Lopinavir (Kaletra)

loe-PIN-a-vir

IPA: /loʊ.ˈpɪn.ə.vɪr/

Brand name: Kaletra / Aluvia (with ritonavir)

loe PIN a vir

How do you pronounce Lopinavir?

Lopinavir is pronounced “loe-PIN-a-vir”. It has 4 syllables: loe – pin – a – vir. The stress falls on the second syllable, “PIN”. The INN suffix -navir is shared by all HIV protease inhibitors (ritonavir, darunavir, atazanavir).

How many syllables are in Lopinavir?

Lopinavir has 4 syllables: loe – pin – a – vir.

What does Lopinavir mean?

Lopinavir is an HIV-1 and HIV-2 protease inhibitor that prevents the cleavage of the Gag-Pol polyprotein, resulting in immature, non-infectious viral particles. It has poor bioavailability unless pharmacokinetically boosted by ritonavir (lopinavir/r, written as LPV/r). Kaletra tablets contain 200 mg lopinavir + 50 mg ritonavir. While largely supplanted by newer protease inhibitors (darunavir) in resource-rich settings, lopinavir/r remains a WHO recommended option in low-income countries due to low cost and availability.

Word Parts

lopi- unique drug stem

-navir HIV protease inhibitor class (INN suffix)

Common Mispronunciations

Often said “LOP-i-na-vir” (stress on first syllable) — the correct stress is on the second syllable: loe-PIN-a-vir.

Where You’ll Encounter This

Lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra/Aluvia) is used in HIV treatment programs globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South/Southeast Asia as a second-line antiretroviral option. It is also used in HIV-positive pregnant women in certain resource-limited settings. In high-income countries, it has largely been replaced by darunavir-based regimens due to a better tolerability profile (less GI side effects, less dyslipidemia).