Indinavir belongs to the class of medications called protease inhibitors. It is used in combination with other HIV medications to treat the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the virus responsible for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). It also lowers your risk of getting HIV complications (such as new infections, cancer). This medication may also be used to prevent HIV infection after contact with the virus. Indinavir is not a cure for HIV. It does not prevent the spread of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination.
Directions
Take Indinavir exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food), usually 3 times daily. Drink at least 6 full glasses of water or other liquids throughout the day to decrease the risk of kidney stones. The recommended indinavir dose for treating adults with HIV or AIDS is 800 mg (two 400 mg capsules) every eight hours. If you are taking certain other medications, a lower dose may be recommended. The recommended dose for people with liver disease is 600 mg every eight hours.
Precautions
Before taking Indinavir you should talk with your doctor if you have kidney stones, liver disease, liver failure, cirrhosis, hepatitis, diabetes, hemophilia, coronary artery disease, heart attack, kidney disease, kidney failure, high blood fat levels, any allergies. Taking indinavir will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people through unprotected sex or sharing of needles. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug.
Contraindications
Do not take Indinavir if you are allergic to indinavir or any ingredients of this medication or are taking any of the following medications: alprazolam, amiodarone, astemizole, cisapride, ergot derivatives, midazolam, pimozide, terfenadine, triazolam. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Possible side effect
Get emergency medical help if you have dry or itchy skin, abdominal or stomach pain, difficulty in sleeping, acid reflux, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, loss of appetite, bloody urine, increased urination, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, constipation, dizziness, weakness, headache, sleepiness, rash, vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), easy bruising, mood changes, tired feeling, bloating, numbness, weight loss, pale stools, peeling, back pain, chills, fever, rapid heartbeat, swollen abdomen. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.
Drug interactions
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: seizure medications (phenytoin, felbamate, carbamazepine), HIV/AIDS medications (nevirapine, lamivudine, zidovudine), drugs for male erectile problems (tadalafil, vardenafil, sildenafil), insulin, heart rhythm medications (quinidine, disopyramide, amiodarone), cyclosporine, tacrolimus, cholesterol-lowering medicines (fluvastatin, cerivastatin, simvastatin, lovastatin), calcium channel blockers (nimodipine, verapamil, nifedipine), antidepressants (fluoxetine, amitriptyline, citalopram, nortriptyline, doxepin), antibiotics (telithromycin, erythromycin, clarithromycin), antifungal medications (fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole), fluticasone. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose
If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are nausea, emesis, diarrhea, lower back ache, bloody urine.
Storage
Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.
Note
The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.
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