Open AccessInstability of lopinavir/ritonavir capsules at ambient temperatures in sub-Saharan Africa: relevance to WHO antiretroviral guidelines
Author(s) -
Alice Pau,
Neelambal K Moodley,
Diane T. Holland,
Henry Fomundam,
Gugu U Matchaba,
Edmund V. Capparelli
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
aids
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.195
H-Index - 216
eISSN - 1473-5571
pISSN - 0269-9370
DOI - 10.1097/01.aids.0000176227.01850.9e
Subject(s) - lopinavir , ritonavir , lopinavir/ritonavir , medicine , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , antiretroviral treatment , virology , antiretroviral therapy , environmental health , viral load
WHO recommends lopinavir/ritonavir as an antiretroviral option in resource-limited countries. Lopinavir/ritonavir is recommended to be stored at 2-8 degrees C until dispensing, and afterwards, may be kept at < or = 25 degrees C for < or = 2 months. Anticipating lopinavir/ritonavir use in countries lacking adequate cold-chains, we assessed its physical and chemical stability at 35 and 45 degrees C. Although maintaining chemical stability for 4 weeks at 35 degrees C, at 45 degrees C the capsules clumped after 7 days, supporting a need for more temperature-stable formulations for hotter climates.