Isentress 400mg Tablet (Raltegravir): Complete Medicine Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- A severe skin rash with blisters, peeling, or sores in the mouth or eyes.
- Swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing.
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, or pale stools.
- Severe muscle pain, weakness, or dark brown urine.
- New fever, swollen glands, or worsening of old symptoms after starting treatment.
- Severe depression, hopelessness, or thoughts of harming yourself.
- Unusual bruising or bleeding.
- Severe abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting.
- A change in how much urine you pass or swelling in the legs.
- Chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath.
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is isentress 400mg tablet used for?
This medicine contains raltegravir 400 mg and is an integrase strand transfer inhibitor used twice daily as part of combination antiretroviral therapy to treat human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection. It works by blocking the viral integrase enzyme so the virus cannot insert its genetic material into human immune cells. It does not cure the infection and must be used with other antiretroviral medicines exactly as prescribed.
- Generic Name: Raltegravir (400mg)
- Manufacturer: MSD Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 isentress 400mg tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा राल्टेग्रेविर 400 मिलीग्राम युक्त एक एंटीरेट्रोवायरल टैबलेट है, जिसका उपयोग एचआईवी-1 संक्रमण के इलाज के लिए अन्य एंटीरेट्रोवायरल दवाओं के साथ मिलाकर किया जाता है। यह वायरस के इंटीग्रेज एंजाइम को रोककर उसे मानव प्रतिरक्षा कोशिकाओं में अपनी आनुवंशिक सामग्री डालने से रोकती है, जिससे वायरस बढ़ नहीं पाता और शरीर की प्रतिरक्षा प्रणाली धीरे-धीरे सुधरती है। यह दवा एचआईवी संक्रमण को पूरी तरह ठीक नहीं करती और इसे अकेले नहीं लिया जाना चाहिए। इसे डॉक्टर द्वारा बताई गई पूरी दवाओं की योजना के साथ, सही समय पर, रोजाना लेना बहुत जरूरी है। खुराक की जानकारी केवल शैक्षिक है और इसे योग्य चिकित्सक द्वारा ही तय किया जाना चाहिए।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा को ज्यादातर लोग अच्छी तरह सहन करते हैं, लेकिन कुछ लोगों में सिरदर्द, नींद न आना, चक्कर आना, जी मिचलाना, दस्त, पेट में असहजता और थकान जैसी समस्याएं हो सकती हैं। कभी-कभी त्वचा पर दाने, खुजली या हल्का बुखार भी हो सकता है। गंभीर समस्याएं कम होती हैं, लेकिन इन्हें नजरअंदाज नहीं करना चाहिए। इनमें त्वचा का गंभीर रूप से छिलना, चेहरे या गले में सूजन, आंखों या त्वचा का पीला पड़ना, मांसपेशियों में तेज दर्द के साथ गहरे रंग का पेशाब आना, और इलाज शुरू करने के बाद बुखार या पुराने लक्षणों का बढ़ना शामिल है। अगर ऐसा कुछ भी हो, तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें और खुराक में खुद से कोई बदलाव न करें। यह दवा एचआईवी के इलाज की पूरी दवाओं की योजना का हिस्सा है, इसलिए सभी दवाएं सही समय पर लेना बहुत जरूरी है। टैबलेट को पानी के साथ पूरा निगलें, चबाएं या तोड़ें नहीं। इसे खाने के साथ या बिना खाने के लिया जा सकता है। अपने सभी डॉक्टर के अपॉइंटमेंट और खून की जांच समय पर कराएं। अपने डॉक्टर को हर दूसरी दवा, सप्लीमेंट या हर्बल उत्पाद के बारे में बताएं। यह दवा किसी और के साथ साझा न करें। अगर आप गर्भवती हैं, गर्भधारण की योजना बना रही हैं या स्तनपान करा रही हैं, तो डॉक्टर से सलाह लें। दवा को मूल डिब्बे में, ठंडी और सूखी जगह पर, बच्चों की पहुंच से दूर रखें।
💊 isentress 400mg tablet Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection in adults","description":"Used as part of combination antiretroviral therapy to suppress viral replication and improve immune function in adults living with human immunodeficiency virus type 1.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection in adolescents and children weighing at least 25 kilograms","description":"Used in combination regimens for young people who meet the weight requirement, with dosing selected by a specialist.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Prevention after occupational or non-occupational exposure","description":"May be included in a short course of medicines to reduce the chance of infection after a high-risk exposure, when prescribed by a specialist.","evidence":"Established in specialist practice"},{"condition":"Treatment-experienced patients with resistant virus","description":"Can be part of a new regimen when the virus has developed resistance to other antiretroviral medicines, guided by resistance testing.","evidence":"Well-established"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Pre-exposure prophylaxis","description":"Sometimes considered in special situations, but this is not a standard approved use and must only be decided by a specialist.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection
Also treats: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, Opportunistic infections related to advanced human immunodeficiency virus infection, Hepatitis B or hepatitis C co-infection, Tuberculosis co-infection
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Raltegravir (400mg) |
| Brand Name | isentress 400mg tablet |
| Manufacturer | MSD Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | ANTI INFECTIVES |
| Action Class | Integrase (HIV) inhibitors |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store this medicine at room temperature, between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius, in the original container. Keep the container tightly closed and protect it from moisture and direct sunlight. Do not store it in the bathroom. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets. |
| Shelf Life | The shelf life is usually 24 months from the date of manufacture, but the exact expiry date is printed on the pack. Do not use the tablets after the expiry date. Check the packaging for the specific shelf life of your batch. |
| WHO Guideline | World Health Organization guidelines include integrase strand transfer inhibitors as preferred components of first-line and second-line antiretroviral therapy for adults, adolescents, and children, based on their potency and tolerability. The exact placement of this medicine in a regimen depends on national guidelines, availability, and the person's treatment history. Always follow the advice of your local human immunodeficiency virus program. |
| ICMR Guideline | Indian Council of Medical Research guidelines for the management of human immunodeficiency virus infection recommend combination antiretroviral therapy for all people living with human immunodeficiency virus, with regimen choice based on national program guidance, resistance testing when available, and individual patient factors. This medicine may be used as part of such regimens when appropriate. Follow the advice of your treating clinician and the National AIDS Control Organisation program. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine works by blocking the integrase enzyme of the human immunodeficiency virus. Integrase is the viral enzyme that inserts, or integrates, the viral genetic material into the deoxyribonucleic acid of human immune cells. By binding to the integrase enzyme and preventing this insertion step, this medicine stops the virus from completing its life cycle and producing new copies of itself. Because the virus cannot integrate its genetic material, the infection cannot spread to new cells and the amount of virus in the blood falls over time. This action is specific to the viral integrase enzyme and does not affect human enzymes in the same way.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take isentress 400mg tablet
Strength: Immediate-release tablet containing 400 mg of raltegravir.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is one 400 mg tablet taken by mouth twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening, with or without food. This medicine must be used together with other antiretroviral medicines as part of a complete regimen. The dose may need to be reviewed if you take rifampicin or certain other medicines. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function, and the other medicines in your regimen. Do not change the dose without specialist advice. |
| Pediatric Dosage | This 400 mg tablet strength is not suitable for children who weigh less than 25 kilograms. For children who weigh at least 25 kilograms, the dose is decided by a pediatric human immunodeficiency virus specialist and may be given as this tablet or as a chewable or granular form. Pediatric dosing is not established from available information for all age groups. Consult a pediatrician or pediatric human immunodeficiency virus specialist. |
| Elderly Dosage | There is no specific dose adjustment for older adults based on age alone. However, older adults may have reduced kidney or liver function and may take more other medicines, so their clinician should review the full regimen carefully. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function, and other medicines. |
| Renal Impairment | Mild to moderate kidney problems do not usually require a change in the dose of this medicine. Severe kidney problems have not been well studied, so the dose should be reviewed by a specialist. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function, and other medicines. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Mild to moderate liver problems do not usually require a change in the dose of this medicine. Moderate liver problems should be managed with caution. Severe liver problems have not been well studied, so the dose should be reviewed by a specialist. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function, and other medicines. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The usual maximum daily dose for adults is 800 mg, given as one 400 mg tablet twice daily. Higher doses are not recommended outside specialist settings. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function, and other medicines. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of isentress 400mg tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum and magnesium antacids | Major | |
| Rifampicin | Major | |
| Phenytoin | Moderate | |
| Phenobarbital | Moderate | |
| Carbamazepine | Moderate | |
| St John's wort | Moderate | |
| Other antiretroviral medicines | Major | |
| Paracetamol | Minor | |
| Ibuprofen | Minor | |
| Calcium supplements | Moderate |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Aluminum and magnesium containing antacids
- Rifampicin
- Other antiretroviral medicines
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Phenytoin and phenobarbital
- Carbamazepine
- St John's wort
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
There is no specific chemical interaction between alcohol and this medicine that is known to change the levels of the medicine in the blood. However, alcohol can worsen liver strain, increase the risk of missed doses, and make side effects such as dizziness and tiredness worse. People living with human immunodeficiency virus are generally advised to limit or avoid alcohol, and anyone with liver problems should discuss alcohol use with their clinician.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Previous serious allergic reaction to raltegravir or any ingredient in this tablet","Use as a single medicine for human immunodeficiency virus infection without other antiretroviral medicines","Use in children who weigh less than 25 kilograms with this 400 mg tablet strength","Use without a confirmed diagnosis and specialist supervision"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine must always be used as part of a combination antiretroviral regimen, never alone.","Do not stop or change the dose without speaking to your human immunodeficiency virus specialist.","Severe skin reactions and serious allergic reactions can occur and need urgent medical care.","Liver injury has been reported rarely, so report yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, or severe tiredness.","Muscle pain, weakness, or dark urine may indicate muscle breakdown and should be reported promptly.","Immune reconstitution syndrome can occur after starting treatment and may need special management.","Mental health changes, including depression, have been reported and should be discussed with your doctor.","This medicine does not cure human immunodeficiency virus infection and does not prevent transmission to others.","Use reliable contraception and safe practices as advised by your clinician.","Tell your doctor about all other medicines, supplements, and herbal products you use."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
This medicine passes into breast milk in small amounts. In many settings, breastfeeding is not recommended for mothers living with human immunodeficiency virus because of the risk of passing the virus to the baby, even when the mother is taking treatment. However, in some situations and with specialist guidance, breastfeeding may be considered. Mothers should discuss feeding choices with their human immunodeficiency virus specialist and pediatrician.
💊 Overdose Management
There is limited information on overdose with this medicine. If someone takes too much, contact a poison control center or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Treatment is supportive and directed at the symptoms that appear. Do not try to make yourself vomit unless a healthcare professional tells you to do so.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose. If you are unsure what to do, contact your clinician or pharmacist. Missing doses can allow the virus to become resistant, so try to take this medicine at the same times every day.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your clinician and do not change the dose on your own. This product is part of a combination regimen, so all the antiretroviral medicines must be taken together as directed to keep the virus under control. Swallow the tablet whole with water and do not crush or chew it. This medicine can be taken with or without food. Keep all your clinic appointments and blood tests because monitoring helps detect problems early. Tell your doctor about every other medicine, supplement, or herbal product you use, because some medicines can interact with this product. Do not share this medicine with anyone else, even if they have the same condition. If you miss doses often, the virus can become resistant and the treatment may stop working. Use condoms and other safe practices to reduce the risk of passing the virus to others, because this medicine does not prevent transmission. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, speak to your clinician before making any changes. Store the tablets in their original container away from heat and moisture, and keep them out of the reach of children.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Older adults may have reduced kidney and liver function and may take more other medicines, so their clinician should review the full regimen carefully. Falls, dizziness, and tiredness may be more concerning in older adults. Regular monitoring of kidney and liver function is important. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function, and other medicines.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning pregnancy, speak to your human immunodeficiency virus specialist before you conceive. Your regimen may need to be reviewed to make sure it is suitable for pregnancy. Continue your treatment unless your clinician tells you otherwise, because keeping the virus suppressed is important for both your health and your baby's health. Use effective contraception if pregnancy is not planned, and discuss any changes with your clinician.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
Tell your surgeon and anesthesiologist that you take this medicine and all the other medicines in your human immunodeficiency virus regimen. Do not stop your antiretroviral medicines before surgery unless your specialist tells you to. Your care team should be aware of possible interactions with anesthetic and pain medicines. Keep taking your doses on schedule as much as possible during your hospital stay.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist that you take this medicine and your full human immunodeficiency virus regimen. Some dental procedures may need precautions because of bleeding risk or infection risk. Keep taking your medicine as usual unless your clinician advises otherwise. Good oral hygiene is important, and you should report any mouth sores, bleeding gums, or unusual lesions to your dentist or doctor.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
Regular exercise is good for your overall health, but if you develop muscle pain, weakness, or dark urine, stop exercising and contact your doctor promptly, because this can be a sign of muscle breakdown. Avoid very intense or prolonged exercise without proper hydration and training. If you have heart or lung problems, discuss an exercise plan with your clinician before starting a new routine.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
Most people can continue their usual work and daily activities while taking this medicine. Some people may feel dizzy or tired, especially when starting treatment, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Keep your medicine with you if you work away from home so you do not miss doses. If your job involves shift work, discuss a dosing schedule with your clinician to help you stay consistent.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop this medicine on your own. Stopping suddenly can allow the virus to multiply and become resistant to treatment. If you develop a serious side effect, your clinician will decide whether to stop this medicine or change your regimen. Always contact your human immunodeficiency virus specialist before making any change, and follow their instructions carefully.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine as part of an effective combination regimen helps keep the virus suppressed and allows the immune system to recover, which reduces the risk of opportunistic infections and other complications. Regular monitoring of viral load, CD4 count, liver function, and kidney function is important. Some people may develop changes in blood tests over time, such as raised liver enzymes or creatine kinase. Long-term adherence is essential, because missed doses can lead to drug resistance. Your clinician should review your regimen at least once a year and whenever new symptoms or medicines are added.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Medicines such as dolutegravir or bictegravir may be used instead, depending on your treatment history, resistance profile, and other medicines.
Evidence: Well-establishedRegimens based on protease inhibitors or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors may be options if integrase inhibitors are not suitable.
Evidence: Well-establishedCounseling, reminders, and support groups can help people take their medicines consistently and improve outcomes.
Evidence: Well-establishedGood nutrition and mental health support can improve overall well-being alongside antiretroviral therapy.
Evidence: Supportive💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
People living with human immunodeficiency virus should discuss vaccinations with their clinician. Inactivated vaccines are generally safe, but live vaccines may not be suitable if the immune system is severely weakened. Vaccination against influenza, hepatitis B, pneumococcal infection, and other infections may be recommended based on your CD4 count, age, and other health conditions. This medicine itself does not interact with vaccines, but the timing of vaccination should be planned with your clinician.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius.
❌ DON'T
Do not store in the refrigerator unless the label says so.
✅ DO
Keep the tablets in the original container with the lid tightly closed.
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer the tablets to unmarked containers or pill boxes for long-term storage.
✅ DO
Keep the container away from direct sunlight and moisture.
❌ DON'T
Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink.
✅ DO
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.
❌ DON'T
Do not use the tablets after the expiry date printed on the pack.
✅ DO
Check the expiry date before each refill.
❌ DON'T
Do not flush unused medicines down the toilet unless instructed.
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
Carry this medicine in its original packaging with the pharmacy label clearly visible. Bring a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating that you are carrying antiretroviral medicines for personal use. Carry enough tablets for the whole trip plus a few extra days in case of delays. Keep the medicine in your hand luggage rather than checked baggage, and store it away from heat and direct sunlight. If you are crossing time zones, keep to your usual twice-daily schedule as closely as possible and discuss any major time changes with your clinician. Check the customs rules of your destination country for controlled or prescription medicines before you travel.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: The antiviral effect begins soon after starting treatment, but a clear fall in viral load is usually seen over several weeks. Your clinician will check your viral load at regular intervals to see how well the treatment is working.
A: Yes, this medicine can be taken with or without food. Taking it at the same times every day helps you remember your doses.
A: If you remember within a few hours, take the missed dose. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time.
A: Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium can reduce the absorption of this medicine. Take them at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after this medicine, and confirm the plan with your clinician.
A: No, this medicine controls the virus but does not cure the infection. It must be taken long term as part of a combination regimen to keep the virus suppressed.
A: Available information suggests it can be used during pregnancy when the benefit outweighs the risk, but the decision must be made by a specialist. Do not start or stop it without specialist advice.
A: No, you should not stop this medicine on your own. Stopping treatment can allow the virus to come back and become resistant. Any change must be decided by your specialist.
A: This medicine reduces the amount of virus in your blood, but it does not completely prevent transmission. Use safe practices as advised by your clinician.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for isentress 400mg tablet
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can cure human immunodeficiency virus infection.
Fact: This medicine controls the virus but does not cure the infection. Treatment must be continued long term to keep the virus suppressed. - Myth: I can stop this medicine once my viral load becomes undetectable.
Fact: Stopping treatment allows the virus to come back and can lead to resistance. Only a specialist should decide on any change. - Myth: This medicine can be taken alone for human immunodeficiency virus infection.
Fact: This medicine must always be used with other antiretroviral medicines as part of a complete regimen. - Myth: This medicine prevents me from passing the virus to my partner.
Fact: This medicine reduces the amount of virus in the blood, but it does not completely prevent transmission. Use safe practices as advised by your clinician. - Myth: This medicine causes serious side effects in everyone.
Fact: Most people tolerate this medicine well. Serious side effects are uncommon but need prompt medical attention if they occur.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Raltegravir 400 mg tablet
Brand Alternatives
- Isentress 400 mg tablet