Raltegravir
Raltegravir is an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) antiretroviral drug. It works by blocking HIV integrase, an enzyme essential for viral replication. This prevents the integration of the viral genetic material into human DNA, effectively reducing the viral load and helping to restore immune system function when used with other HIV medications.
Dosage by Body Weight
Must be used in combination with other antiretroviral agents. Film-coated tablets, chewable tablets, and oral suspension are not interchangeable on a milligram-to-milligram basis. Adult standard dose is typically 400 mg twice daily, or 1200 mg once daily using the Isentress HD formulation. Pediatric dosing is strictly weight-based.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 2 mg/kg to 6 mg/kg (Oral Suspension)
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily depending on age in days
- Tracking Notes
- Applicable for infants weighing at least 3 kg. Requires strict clinical supervision and precise calculation. Do not use chewable or film-coated tablets.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 20 mg to 28 mg (Oral Suspension)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Granules for oral suspension must be reconstituted with drinking water. Do not substitute chewable tablets.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 32 mg to 40 mg (Oral Suspension)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Dosed at approximately 4 mg/kg per dose. Ensure exact suspension volume is measured with the provided syringe.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 75 mg (Chewable Tablet) or 44 mg to 60 mg (Oral Suspension)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Chewable tablets are available in 25 mg and 100 mg strengths. The child must be old enough to reliably chew the tablet.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 100 mg (Chewable Tablet) or 64 mg to 80 mg (Oral Suspension)
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Tracking Notes
- Do not mix chewable tablets with film-coated adult tablets. Ensure clinical evaluation of compliance and efficacy.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 2 mg/kg to 6 mg/kg (Oral Suspension) | Once or twice daily depending on age in days | Applicable for infants weighing at least 3 kg. Requires strict clinical supervision and precise calculation. Do not use chewable or film-coated tablets. |
| 5-7 kg | 20 mg to 28 mg (Oral Suspension) | Twice daily | Granules for oral suspension must be reconstituted with drinking water. Do not substitute chewable tablets. |
| 8-10 kg | 32 mg to 40 mg (Oral Suspension) | Twice daily | Dosed at approximately 4 mg/kg per dose. Ensure exact suspension volume is measured with the provided syringe. |
| 11-15 kg | 75 mg (Chewable Tablet) or 44 mg to 60 mg (Oral Suspension) | Twice daily | Chewable tablets are available in 25 mg and 100 mg strengths. The child must be old enough to reliably chew the tablet. |
| 16-20 kg | 100 mg (Chewable Tablet) or 64 mg to 80 mg (Oral Suspension) | Twice daily | Do not mix chewable tablets with film-coated adult tablets. Ensure clinical evaluation of compliance and efficacy. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used in combination with other antiretroviral medications to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) infection.
Generic Name
RaltegravirBranded Drug Names
Raltegravir is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.