Crushing lopinavir/ritonavir tablets does not result in lower exposure to lopinavir/ritonavir in adult patients with COVID-19

Abstract

Objective Lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/RTV) exposure is decreased in children after crushing the tablets. Whether exposure is also decreased in adult patients is not known. This study evaluated the exposure of LPV/RTV in adult patients after administration of crushed LPV/RTV tablets. Methods Blood samples were drawn from patients with COVID-19 who were receiving crushed LPV/RTV 400/100 mg tablets twice daily. Results Plasma concentrations for 11 patients with COVID-19 (eight men, mean age 62.6 years) were included. The measured plasma concentrations of LPV were substantially higher than reported for patients with HIV. Conclusions There is adequate exposure from crushed LPV/RTV tablets, but because of limited experience, therapeutic drug monitoring is still advised.