Indinavir

What is Indinavir?

Indinavir is an antiretroviral medicine from the protease inhibitor class. It is prescribed for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and is typically used in combination with other antiviral drugs. Indinavir helps reduce viral replication in the body, but it does not cure HIV. It will not work for influenza (flu), colds, or other non-HIV viral infections.

Ask your healthcare professional or pharmacist for more information about how this medicine may affect you.

What important information should I know about Indinavir?

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can reduce indinavir levels. Avoid grapefruit products while taking indinavir unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.

Do not stop taking indinavir or change your dose without medical advice. Stopping treatment can reduce effectiveness and may contribute to viral resistance.

Indinavir may cause dizziness or affect coordination. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, climbing, or doing hazardous activities until you know how the medicine affects you.

Alcohol may increase the risk of side effects such as flushing and a rapid heart rate. Use alcohol carefully while taking indinavir.

Always tell a doctor before giving indinavir to a child.

What should I tell my doctor before I take this drug?

Your healthcare provider should know if you have:

• Heart disorders (including rhythm problems)
• Liver disease or kidney disease
• Anemia or other blood disorders
• Allergy to indinavir or similar medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Stomach or intestinal problems (including colitis)
• Hemophilia
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or plans to become pregnant

How to take Indinavir

Indinavir is supplied as capsules for oral use.

The usual adult dose is 800 mg taken every 8 hours (3 times daily).

Take indinavir with a full glass of water. It is important to take it on an empty stomach: 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. If needed, it may be taken with juice, coffee, tea, skim milk, or a light meal (for example, dry toast or corn flakes).

Swallow the capsules whole. Do not open, crush, chew, or break them.

Dosage may vary depending on the patient and treatment regimen. Follow your physician's instructions exactly.

What should you do if you miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

What should you do in case of overdose?

Seek medical help immediately if you think you have taken too much. Symptoms of overdose may include flank pain, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, or bloody urine.

What drugs may interact with Indinavir?

• Atorvastatin
• Carbamazepine
• Clarithromycin
• Cyclosporine
• Dexamethasone
• Fluticasone
• Lidocaine
• Medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disorders
• Medicines for erectile dysfunction
• Antifungals such as ketoconazole or itraconazole
• Blood pressure medicines such as amlodipine, felodipine, or nifedipine
• Other medicines for HIV
• Phenytoin
• Phenobarbital
• Quinidine
• Rifabutin
• Sirolimus
• Tacrolimus

This is not a complete list of interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for detailed interaction information.

Talk to your healthcare provider about using this medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

What side effects may occur?

• Allergic reactions (hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face; itching; rash)
• Breathing problems, chest pain, shortness of breath
• Fever, chills, sore throat
• Nausea or vomiting
• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet, tremor, muscle stiffness, spasms
• Difficulty urinating, dark urine, blood in the urine
• Headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, or hearing loss
• Indigestion, upset stomach, bloating, gas, abdominal pain or cramps
• Severe skin reactions (redness, blistering, peeling, or mouth sores)
• Fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• Fatigue or faintness
• Signs of liver problems (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Changes in body fat distribution (weight gain around the waist/back or thinning of face/arms/legs)
• Loss of appetite
• Pain in the lower back or side

If side effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor right away. This is not a complete list of possible side effects.

How should Indinavir be stored?

Store indinavir at room temperature, between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F), in a tightly closed container. Protect from moisture, direct heat, and light. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink. Keep out of reach of children and pets.