Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir

Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir is an investigational medication used for the treatment of COVID-19 disease.

• Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir is available under the following different brand names: Paxlovid

Common side effects of Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir include:

• diarrhea, 
• myalgia, 
• altered sense of taste, and 
• high blood pressure

Serious side effects of Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir include:

• hives, 
• difficulty breathing, 
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, 
• severe dizziness, and
• abnormal lab test results

Rare side effects of Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir include:

• none 

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult and pediatric dosage

Tablets

• Dose pack 300 mg nirmatrelvir and 100 mg ritonavir: Each daily blister card contains 4 nirmatrelvir tablets (150-mg) and 2 ritonavir tablets (100-mg)
• Dose pack 150 mg nirmatrelvir and 100 mg ritonavir: Each daily blister card contains 2 nirmatrelvir tablets (150-mg) and 2 ritonavir tablets (100-mg)

COVID-19 Disease Treatment (Emergency use authorization)

Adult dosage

• 300 mg nirmatrelvir plus 100 mg ritonavir orally twice daily for 5 days
• Initiate as soon as possible after COVID-19 diagnosis and within 5 days of symptom onset
• Completing the full 5-day treatment course and isolating following public health recommendations are important to maximize viral clearance and minimize viral transmission

Pediatric dosage

• Aged below 12 years: Safety and efficacy not established
• 300 mg nirmatrelvir plus 100 mg ritonavir orally twice daily x 5 days

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”