raltegravir at a glance
Medicine class
Integrase strand transfer inhibitor
Licensed role
Combination treatment of HIV-1 in adults and paediatric patients meeting the product's weight criteria
Food
The selected tablets may be taken with or without food
Tablet handling
Swallow whole; do not chew, crush or split
What is raltegravir used for?
The selected product is licensed for:
Treatment of HIV-1 infection in combination with other active antiretroviral treatments in adults and paediatric patients weighing at least 40 kg.
How does raltegravir work?
HIV uses an enzyme called integrase to insert viral genetic material into human cells. Raltegravir blocks this step, preventing the infected cell from producing new infectious virus particles.
raltegravir preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 600 mg
How to take raltegravir
Follow the instructions from the specialist HIV team and take raltegravir as part of the complete prescribed combination.
It may be taken with or without food.
Swallow the selected film-coated tablets whole; do not chew, crush or split them.
Do not switch between film-coated tablets, chewable tablets or granules without specialist advice because their absorption differs.
Keep the bottle tightly closed with its desiccant to protect the tablets from moisture.
raltegravir side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache or dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or abdominal discomfort
- Sleep disturbance or abnormal dreams
- Tiredness
- Reduced appetite
- Rash
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe skin or allergic reaction, including blistering, mouth sores, facial swelling or breathing difficulty
- Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, which may indicate muscle injury
- New or worsening severe depression, suicidal thoughts or behaviour
- Signs of liver injury, such as jaundice, dark urine or persistent upper abdominal pain
- Symptoms of infection or inflammation after starting effective HIV treatment
raltegravir in pregnancy
The regimen using the selected film-coated tablets is not recommended during pregnancy because it has not been adequately studied. Other raltegravir use has substantial pregnancy experience without evidence of increased malformation risk, so anyone pregnant or planning pregnancy should have the formulation and complete HIV regimen reviewed promptly by their specialist and should not stop treatment independently.
raltegravir while breastfeeding
Raltegravir and its metabolites enter breast milk, and effects on the infant cannot be excluded. Formula feeding remains the safest UK option for avoiding postnatal HIV transmission. Current UK programme guidance supports specialist-led planning and close monitoring when someone with a consistently undetectable viral load chooses to breastfeed.
raltegravir interactions
Tell the HIV team and pharmacist about prescribed, purchased and herbal products. Important examples include:
Aluminium-, magnesium- or calcium-containing antacids
They can substantially reduce raltegravir levels and are not recommended with the selected formulation.
Iron salts
Iron can reduce raltegravir absorption; take the products separately as directed by the HIV team or pharmacist.
Rifampicin, phenytoin or phenobarbital
Strong enzyme induction may lower raltegravir exposure, so use with the selected formulation is not recommended.
Common questions about raltegravir
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can raltegravir cure HIV?
No. It suppresses HIV replication when used with other active antiretrovirals but does not eliminate the infection.
Does raltegravir have to be taken with other HIV medicines?
Yes. It is licensed and intended for use as part of an active combination regimen.
Can raltegravir be taken with food?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.