Isentress (raltegravir) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for HIV in adults and some children. Isentress comes as an oral tablet, a high dose oral tablet, a chewable tablet, and an oral suspension. The dosage can vary depending on your age and body weight.
Isentress is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat a certain type of HIV called HIV-1.
Isentress belongs to a drug class called HIV integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTI). Isentress is not available in a generic version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Isentress, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Isentress, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages for Isentress provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Isentress, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
Below is information about Isentress’s forms, strengths, and dosages.
Isentress forms
Isentress comes in four forms:
- oral tablet
- chewable tablet
- high dose (HD) oral tablet
- oral suspension
Isentress strengths
Isentress oral tablet comes in one strength of 400 milligrams (mg).
Isentress HD oral tablet comes in one strength of 600 mg.
Isentress chewable tablets are available in two strengths:
- 25 mg
- 100 mg
Isentress oral suspension comes in powder packets that contain 100 mg per packet.
Typical dosages
Your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Isentress that provides the desired effect.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed in adults. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for HIV
Doctors may prescribe Isentress to manage HIV. The drug is typically taken with other drugs.
If your doctor prescribes Isentress for your HIV, your dose will likely be 400 mg taken twice daily. If you take Isentress HD, your dose will usually be 1,200 mg taken once daily (two tablets that are 600 mg each).
If you’re taking rifampin along with Isentress, you’ll need to take a higher dose of Isentress. In this case, your doctor will likely recommend a dose of 800 mg (two 400 mg tablets) twice daily.
The table below shows the typical dosage recommendations. Your doctor will choose the best dosage for you.
| Drug | Dosage |
|---|---|
| Isentress oral tablet | 400 mg (one tablet) twice daily |
| Isentress HD oral tablet | 1,200 mg (two 600-mg tablets) once daily |
| Isentress oral tablet (if you’re also taking rifampin) | 800 mg (two 400-mg tablets) twice daily |
For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.
Children’s dosage
Isentress is approved to manage HIV in certain children. The dosage is based on the child’s body weight in kilograms (kg). One kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb).
Isentress oral suspension can be used in children weighing at least 2 kg (4.4 lb). The chewable tablets can be used in children who weigh at least 3 kg (6.6 lb) and are at least 4 weeks old. The oral tablets can be used in children who weigh at least 25 kg (55 lb). Isentress HD can be used in children weighing at least 40 kg (88 lb).
The table below lists the typical dosing schedule for children taking Isentress. Be sure to check your child’s weight and age. Chewable tablets should only be used once a child can chew and swallow. Isentress oral tablets and Isentress HD tablets should only be used once a child can swallow pills.
| Child’s weight | Child’s age | Isentress dose | Isentress HD dose | Chewable tablet dose | Oral suspension dose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 kg (4.4 lb) to less than 3 kg (6.6 lb) | birth to 1 week | not recommended | not recommended | not recommended | 0.4 mL (4 mg) once daily |
| 3 kg (6.6 lb) to less than 4 kg (8.8 lb) | birth to 1 week | not recommended | not recommended | not recommended | 0.5 mL (5 mg) once daily |
| 4 kg (8.8 lb) to less than 5 kg (11 lb) | birth to 1 week | not recommended | not recommended | not recommended | 0.7 mL (7 mg) once daily |
| 2 kg (4.4 lb) to less than 3 kg (6.6 lb) | 1–4 weeks | not recommended | not recommended | not recommended | 0.8 mL (8 mg) twice daily |
| 3 kg (6.6 lb) to less than 4 kg (8.8 lb) | 1–4 weeks | not recommended | not recommended | not recommended | 1 mL (10 mg) twice daily |
| 4 kg (8.8 lb) to less than 5 kg (11 lb) | 1–4 weeks | not recommended | not recommended | not recommended | 1.5 mL (15 mg) twice daily |
| 3 kg (6.6 lb) to less than 4 kg (8.8 lb) | at least 4 weeks | not recommended | not recommended | one 25-mg tablet twice daily | 2.5 mL (25 mg) twice daily |
| 4 kg (8.8 lb) to less than 6 kg (13.2 lb) | at least 4 weeks | not recommended | not recommended | one 25-mg tablet twice daily | 3 mL (30 mg) twice daily |
| 6 kg (13.2 lb) to less than 8 kg (17.6 lb) | at least 4 weeks | not recommended | not recommended | two 25-mg tablets twice daily | 4 mL (40 mg) twice daily |
| 8 kg (17.6 lb) to less than 10 kg (22 lb) | at least 4 weeks | not recommended | not recommended | two 25-mg tablets twice daily | 6 mL (60 mg) twice daily |
| 10 kg (22 lb) to less than 14 kg (30.8 lb) | at least 4 weeks | not recommended | not recommended | three 25-mg tablets twice daily | 8 mL (80 mg) twice daily |
| 14 kg (30.8 lb) to less than 20 kg (44 lb) | at least 4 weeks | not recommended | not recommended | one 100-mg tablet twice daily | 10 mL (100 mg) twice daily |
| 20 kg (44 lb) to less than 25 kg (55 lb) | at least 4 weeks | not recommended | not recommended | one and a half 100-mg tablets twice daily | not recommended |
| 25 kg (55 lb) to less than 28 kg (61.6 lb) | — | one 400-mg tablet twice daily | not recommended | one and a half 100-mg tablets twice daily | not recommended |
| 28 kg (61.6 lb) to less than 40 kg (88 lb) | — | one 400-mg tablet twice daily | not recommended | two 100-mg tablets twice daily | not recommended |
| at least 40 kg (88 lb) | — | one 400-mg tablet twice daily | two 600-mg tablets once daily | three 100-mg tablets (300 mg) twice daily | not recommended |
The maximum dosage of Isentress chewable tablets is 300 mg twice daily. The maximum recommended dosage of Isentress suspension is 100 mg twice daily.
Talk with your child’s doctor if you have questions about their dosage.
Long-term treatment
Isentress is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Isentress is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
Before you start taking Isentress, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.
The Isentress dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- your age
- your body weight
- the form of Isentress you take
- other medications that you take
Other medical conditions you have can also affect your Isentress dosage.
Dosage adjustments
Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage if you take certain medications, such as rifampin. Rifampin can affect the level of Isentress in your body.
Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take and any health conditions you may have.
Isentress comes in multiple forms. It’s available as Isentress oral tablet and Isentress HD oral tablet. These are both tablets that you swallow whole. Do not divide, crush, or chew the tablet or place it in water.
Isentress is also available in a chewable tablet. You could chew the tablet or swallow it whole. The chewable tablet can be crushed and mixed with liquid, such as water or juice. For step-by-step directions on how to crush and mix Isentress chewable tablets, see the prescribing information or talk with your doctor or pharmacist. If you crush chewable tablets and mix them with liquid, the dose should be taken right away.
If you or your child is taking the oral suspension form of Isentress, you’ll need to mix one packet with 10 milliliters (mL) of water. You should take your dose of Isentress oral suspension within 30 minutes of mixing it. For step-by-step directions on how to mix Isentress oral suspension, see the prescribing information or talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
You may take your dose with or without food. It may be helpful to take Isentress around the same time or times of day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Isentress can work effectively.
If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may also recommend switching to the chewable tablet or the oral suspension.
If you have questions about how to use Isentress, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERSSome pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Isentress in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.
If you miss a dose of Isentress, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed one. If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
It’s important that you do not take more Isentress than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you take more than the recommended amount of Isentress
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Isentress. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below are some frequently asked questions about Isentress.
Is the dosage of Isentress similar to the dosage of Truvada?
Yes, the forms of each drug are similar. Isentress and Truvada (emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) are both available as oral tablets. Isentress also comes as a chewable tablet and an oral suspension. Truvada does not come in these forms.
You’ll usually take Isentress twice daily. However, Truvada is usually only taken once daily. Either medication can be taken with or without food.
The dose in milligrams for each drug differs because they have different active ingredients. In fact, Truvada has two active ingredients, but Isentress only has one active ingredient. Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you.
To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.
How long does it take for Isentress to start working?
Isentress starts to work after your first dose. Because of how the drug works, you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body. But your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working to treat your condition.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Isentress treatment.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Isentress for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.
As with any drug, never change your dosage of Isentress without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Isentress that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Isentress. These additional articles might be helpful:
- More about Isentress: For information about other aspects of Isentress, refer to this article.
- Side effects: To learn about side effects of Isentress, see the Isentress prescribing information.
- Details about HIV and AIDS: For details about HIV and AIDS, see our HIV and AIDS hub.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.