Description
Paxlovid 150 mg + 100 mg (Nirmatrelvir + Ritonavir)
Paxlovid 150 mg + 100 mg contains nirmatrelvir and ritonavir, two antiviral medicines supplied together for the treatment of certain people with COVID-19. Nirmatrelvir blocks a SARS-CoV-2 viral protease, while ritonavir helps maintain adequate nirmatrelvir levels in the body.
Importantly, the strength printed on the package does not automatically describe the complete dose taken at each administration. Therefore, patients should follow the prescription and the current product instructions carefully.
Paxlovid 150 mg + 100 mg: Quick Answer
Paxlovid is an oral antiviral medicine containing nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. Healthcare professionals use it to treat certain adults with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who have risk factors for progression to severe disease.
In addition, the U.S. FDA has authorized Paxlovid under an EUA for certain pediatric patients aged 12 years and older who weigh at least 40 kg. The exact authorization and prescribing requirements should be checked against current U.S. regulatory information.
Most importantly, Paxlovid has significant drug interactions. Consequently, a doctor or pharmacist should review all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines and supplements before treatment.
What Is Paxlovid?
Paxlovid is a combination of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. Nirmatrelvir provides the antiviral activity, while ritonavir acts as a pharmacokinetic booster that increases nirmatrelvir exposure.
The combination can help limit viral replication. However, Paxlovid does not replace vaccination, medical evaluation or emergency treatment when those measures are appropriate.
Read MedlinePlus information about nirmatrelvir and ritonavir.
What Is Nirmatrelvir?
Nirmatrelvir is the antiviral component of Paxlovid. It inhibits a SARS-CoV-2 protease that the virus needs to process proteins required for replication.
As a result, nirmatrelvir can interfere with the virus’s ability to reproduce inside the body. However, treatment works best when patients start it within the time window specified by the prescribing information.
What Is Ritonavir?
Ritonavir is the second component of Paxlovid. It strongly inhibits CYP3A enzymes and slows the breakdown of nirmatrelvir.
Therefore, ritonavir increases the amount of nirmatrelvir available in the body. This boosting effect also explains why Paxlovid can interact with many other medicines.
Read MedlinePlus information about ritonavir.
What Is Paxlovid Used For?
Healthcare professionals use Paxlovid to treat certain people with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who have risk factors for progression to severe disease, including hospitalization or death.
Current U.S. prescribing information recommends starting Paxlovid as soon as possible after COVID-19 diagnosis and within 5 days of symptom onset. Therefore, patients should contact a healthcare professional promptly when they develop symptoms and have risk factors that may make antiviral treatment appropriate.
Paxlovid for COVID-19
Paxlovid targets SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The medicine can reduce the ability of the virus to replicate when patients start treatment within the recommended treatment window.
However, Paxlovid is not appropriate for every person with COVID-19. A healthcare professional should consider age, risk factors, kidney function, liver function, current medicines and other clinical factors before prescribing it.
How Does Paxlovid Work?
Nirmatrelvir blocks a SARS-CoV-2 protease that the virus requires for replication. Meanwhile, ritonavir slows nirmatrelvir metabolism and increases its exposure.
Because the two medicines work together, patients must take them according to the prescribed regimen. Do not take nirmatrelvir without ritonavir when using Paxlovid unless a healthcare professional specifically provides different instructions.
Paxlovid Dose
The correct Paxlovid dose depends on kidney function and other patient-specific factors.
For adults with normal kidney function, current U.S. labeling uses 300 mg nirmatrelvir plus 100 mg ritonavir twice daily for 5 days. The 300 mg nirmatrelvir dose consists of two 150 mg nirmatrelvir tablets taken together with one 100 mg ritonavir tablet.
For patients with moderate renal impairment, current U.S. labeling reduces the dose to 150 mg nirmatrelvir plus 100 mg ritonavir twice daily for 5 days. Therefore, the 150 mg + 100 mg combination shown on this page can represent a renal-adjusted regimen rather than the standard adult regimen.
Patients with severe renal impairment require a different dosing schedule. Consequently, people with reduced kidney function should not select a Paxlovid dose without professional guidance.
Paxlovid Renal Dosing
| Kidney function | U.S. labeled regimen |
|---|---|
| No renal dose reduction required | 300 mg nirmatrelvir + 100 mg ritonavir twice daily for 5 days |
| Moderate renal impairment | 150 mg nirmatrelvir + 100 mg ritonavir twice daily for 5 days |
| Severe renal impairment, including hemodialysis | Specific reduced schedule based on dialysis and treatment day |
Current FDA labeling provides the detailed renal dosing schedule. Therefore, patients should have kidney function assessed when clinically appropriate before starting treatment.
View current FDA Paxlovid prescribing information.
How to Take Paxlovid
Take Paxlovid exactly as prescribed. Patients generally take the medicine twice daily for 5 days, with or without food.
- Take the prescribed nirmatrelvir and ritonavir tablets together.
- Take each dose at approximately the same time each day.
- Swallow the tablets whole.
- Do not chew, crush or break the tablets.
- Complete the full 5-day treatment course unless your healthcare professional tells you otherwise.
Furthermore, patients should not change the treatment schedule because symptoms improve. Follow the complete prescription and contact your healthcare professional if you have concerns.
What If You Miss a Paxlovid Dose?
If you miss a dose by less than 8 hours, take it as soon as you remember and then continue your regular schedule.
However, if more than 8 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.
Paxlovid Side Effects
Like other medicines, Paxlovid can cause side effects. Some reactions remain mild, while others require medical attention.
Common Paxlovid Side Effects
- Altered taste or a bitter taste
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort
- Muscle aches
Altered taste and diarrhea are among the commonly reported adverse reactions in current U.S. labeling.
Serious Paxlovid Side Effects
Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you develop a serious rash, facial or throat swelling, difficulty breathing, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine or other concerning symptoms.
In addition, Paxlovid can cause clinically important drug interactions. Therefore, serious symptoms may sometimes relate to interactions with other medicines rather than Paxlovid alone.
Paxlovid Drug Interactions
Paxlovid interactions represent one of the most important safety considerations with this medicine.
Ritonavir strongly inhibits CYP3A. Consequently, it can increase blood concentrations of medicines that depend on CYP3A for elimination. Some combinations can cause serious or life-threatening reactions.
Before prescribing Paxlovid, healthcare professionals should review the patient’s complete medication list. That review should include prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, vitamins and herbal supplements.
Never start or stop another medicine during Paxlovid treatment without professional advice.
Examples of Medicines That May Require Special Attention
- Some antiarrhythmic medicines
- Some anticonvulsants
- Some cholesterol-lowering medicines
- Some immunosuppressants
- Some sedatives
- Some anticoagulants
- Certain HIV medicines
- Some medicines used for organ transplantation
This list does not include every interaction. Therefore, patients should rely on a professional medication review rather than a short online list.
Paxlovid and Kidney Disease
Kidney function affects Paxlovid dosing. For this reason, people with kidney disease should tell their healthcare professional before treatment.
Moderate and severe renal impairment require different dosing approaches. Consequently, patients should not use the 150 mg + 100 mg presentation to determine their own dose.
Paxlovid and Liver Disease
Tell your healthcare professional if you have liver disease or a history of hepatitis.
Current U.S. labeling does not recommend Paxlovid for patients with severe hepatic impairment. Therefore, a doctor should assess liver function and medical history before prescribing treatment when relevant.
Paxlovid and HIV
Ritonavir also has activity and uses in HIV treatment. However, the ritonavir component in Paxlovid primarily serves as a pharmacokinetic booster for nirmatrelvir.
Patients with uncontrolled or undiagnosed HIV-1 infection may face a risk of developing HIV-1 protease inhibitor resistance if Paxlovid is used incorrectly. Therefore, tell your healthcare professional if you have HIV or take HIV medicines.
Paxlovid and Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding, discuss Paxlovid with your healthcare professional.
Your doctor can consider the benefits of treating COVID-19, your health status, and available safety information before recommending treatment. Do not stop or delay prescribed treatment without professional advice.
Paxlovid and Breastfeeding
Tell your healthcare professional if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Your healthcare professional can review the current prescribing information and your individual circumstances before recommending treatment.
Can Paxlovid Be Used in Children?
Age and weight requirements depend on the applicable regulatory authorization or approval.
In the United States, FDA authorization covers certain pediatric patients aged 12 years and older who weigh at least 40 kg. Therefore, parents and caregivers should not give Paxlovid to a child without appropriate medical evaluation and prescribing guidance.
Paxlovid Rebound
Some people experience a return of COVID-19 symptoms or test positive again after completing antiviral treatment. This phenomenon is commonly called COVID-19 rebound.
A rebound does not automatically mean that the medicine failed. Nevertheless, people who develop new or worsening symptoms should contact their healthcare professional and follow current public health guidance.
Does Paxlovid Work for COVID-19?
Paxlovid can reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes in appropriate high-risk patients when they start treatment within the recommended window.
However, the medicine does not provide the same benefit for every patient. Therefore, a healthcare professional should determine whether treatment is appropriate based on current clinical guidance and the patient’s risk factors.
Paxlovid vs Remdesivir
| Feature | Paxlovid | Remdesivir |
|---|---|---|
| Active treatment | Nirmatrelvir + ritonavir | Remdesivir |
| Administration | Oral tablets | Intravenous administration |
| Use | Selected patients with COVID-19 | Selected patients with COVID-19 |
| Important consideration | Major drug-interaction potential | Requires healthcare-facility administration |
These treatments have different administration requirements and eligibility criteria. Therefore, a healthcare professional should select treatment based on the patient’s clinical situation.
Paxlovid vs Molnupiravir
Paxlovid and molnupiravir are oral antiviral treatments that have different active ingredients, eligibility criteria, safety considerations, and clinical guidance.
Because treatment recommendations can change, patients should discuss available antiviral options with a qualified healthcare professional rather than selecting one based only on online information.
Paxlovid Price and Availability
The price and availability of Paxlovid can vary according to country, healthcare system, insurance coverage, supplier, and local regulations.
Patients should verify the product name, active ingredients, strength, manufacturer, packaging, and expiration date before receiving any prescription medicine.
View available medicines in our online shop.
Related Antiviral Products
Other antiviral medicines may appear in our medicine catalog. However, these products have different active ingredients and indications. Therefore, do not substitute another antiviral for Paxlovid without professional guidance.
Explore more medicines and healthcare products.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paxlovid
What is Paxlovid?
Paxlovid is an antiviral combination containing nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. Healthcare professionals use it to treat certain people with COVID-19 who have a higher risk of severe disease.
What is Paxlovid used for?
Paxlovid is used to treat certain mild-to-moderate COVID-19 infections in people who meet the applicable treatment criteria.
What is nirmatrelvir?
Nirmatrelvir is the antiviral component of Paxlovid. It blocks a SARS-CoV-2 protease that the virus needs for replication.
What is ritonavir used for in Paxlovid?
Ritonavir acts as a pharmacokinetic booster. It slows the breakdown of nirmatrelvir and helps maintain an effective concentration in the body.
What is the Paxlovid dose?
The standard U.S. adult regimen uses 300 mg nirmatrelvir plus 100 mg ritonavir twice daily for 5 days. Patients with moderate or severe renal impairment require modified dosing. Therefore, a healthcare professional should determine the appropriate regimen.
Does Paxlovid contain 150 mg or 300 mg of nirmatrelvir?
Each nirmatrelvir tablet contains 150 mg. The standard adult dose uses two 150 mg tablets together with one 100 mg ritonavir tablet. Thus, each standard dose contains 300 mg of nirmatrelvir plus 100 mg of ritonavir.
Is Paxlovid 150 mg + 100 mg the standard dose?
Not for every patient. Current U.S. labeling uses 150 mg nirmatrelvir plus 100 mg ritonavir twice daily for patients with moderate renal impairment. The standard adult regimen uses two 150 mg nirmatrelvir tablets plus one 100 mg ritonavir tablet per dose.
How long do you take Paxlovid?
The standard treatment course lasts 5 days. Patients should follow the exact prescription and complete the course unless their healthcare professional gives different instructions.
Can Paxlovid be taken with food?
Yes. Current U.S. labeling allows Paxlovid to be taken with or without food.
What are the most common Paxlovid side effects?
Common adverse reactions include altered taste and diarrhea. Headache, nausea, and other symptoms can also occur.
Does Paxlovid interact with other medicines?
Yes. Paxlovid has significant drug-interaction potential because ritonavir strongly affects CYP3A metabolism. Therefore, a healthcare professional should review all medicines before treatment.
Can Paxlovid be used during pregnancy?
People who are pregnant or planning pregnancy should discuss Paxlovid with their healthcare professional. The doctor can consider the potential benefits and risks based on the current clinical situation.
Can Paxlovid be used while breastfeeding?
People who are breastfeeding should discuss treatment with their healthcare professional before taking Paxlovid. The clinician can review current information and individual circumstances.
Can Paxlovid cause COVID rebound?
Some people experience a return of symptoms or a positive test after initial improvement. Healthcare professionals can advise patients about appropriate monitoring and follow-up.
Is Paxlovid FDA approved?
Yes. The FDA approved Paxlovid for specific adult patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk for progression to severe disease. The FDA also maintains an EUA for certain pediatric patients who meet the specified age and weight criteria.
U.S. FDA and Medical Information
Current U.S. prescribing information identifies Paxlovid as a combination of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. The FDA labeling includes specific eligibility requirements, dosing instructions, renal dose adjustments, and extensive drug-interaction information.
Importantly, the FDA labeling carries a prominent warning about significant drug interactions. Therefore, patients should obtain a medication review before starting Paxlovid.
View the current FDA Paxlovid prescribing information
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Read MedlinePlus nirmatrelvir and ritonavir information
.
Visit the U.S. FDA Drugs information
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Important Paxlovid Safety Information
- Use Paxlovid only under appropriate medical supervision.
- Tell your healthcare professional about every medicine and supplement you take.
- Do not start or stop another medicine without professional advice during treatment.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or liver disease.
- Follow the prescribed renal dose when applicable.
- Take nirmatrelvir and ritonavir together as prescribed.
- Swallow the tablets whole rather than chewing, breaking or crushing them.
- Complete the prescribed 5-day course unless your healthcare professional tells you otherwise.
- Seek urgent medical attention for severe allergic symptoms, difficulty breathing or other serious reactions.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Paxlovid is a prescription antiviral medicine. Eligibility, dosing, regulatory requirements, and availability can vary by country.
Do not start Paxlovid based only on information on this website. A qualified healthcare professional should confirm the diagnosis, assess risk factors, review kidney and liver function when appropriate, and check for potentially serious drug interactions.
For U.S. customers: Prescription and dispensing requirements apply. The presence of a medicine on this website does not by itself establish authorization for sale, dispensing, or importation in the United States.
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