What is the active component of the drug Kaletra?

Kaletra is a combination antiretroviral medication primarily used in the treatment of HIV infections. Its active components are Lopinavir and Ritonavir. Lopinavir is a protease inhibitor that works by blocking the protease enzyme necessary for HIV replication. Ritonavir, while also a protease inhibitor, serves primarily to enhance the effectiveness of Lopinavir by inhibiting its metabolism, which allows for higher concentrations of Lopinavir to remain in the bloodstream for a more extended period.

The combination of these two drugs in Kaletra not only improves viral suppression but also helps in managing potential side effects and resistance that can occur with HIV treatment. This makes the pairing particularly effective in a clinical setting, as they work synergistically to ensure better treatment outcomes for patients.