An Overview of Crixivan (Indinavir)

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Brand Name:

Crixivan
Other Name(s): IDV, Indinavir sulfate, L-735,524, MK-639, Sulfato de indinavir

Drug Class: Protease Inhibitors

Indinavir sulfate, also known as Crixivan, is a type of medicine called a protease inhibitor (PI). PIs act by blocking protease, a protein that HIV needs to make more copies of itself.

Indications and Usage

Indinavir was approved by the FDA on March 13, 1996, for use with other antiretrovirals in the treatment of HIV infection in adults. This medicine does not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS and does not reduce the risk of passing the virus to other people.

Dosage Form/Administration

Indinavir comes in capsule form and is taken by mouth. It should be taken on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. In addition, it is important to drink plenty of fluids (at least 1.5 liters per day) during treatment with indinavir. Avoid taking indinavir within 1 hour of taking didanosine (Videx or ddI), another antiretroviral.

Recommended Daily Dose

The recommended dose of indinavir is 800 mg (two 400-mg capsules) every 8 hours. Individuals with liver disease may need to reduce the dose to 600 mg every 8 hours. The dose of indinavir should also be adjusted when individuals are taking indinavir together with delavirdine, didanosine, efavirenz, itraconazole, ketoconazole, or rifabutin. Individuals should always take indinavir as prescribed by their doctor.

Contraindications

Individuals should tell a doctor about any medical problems before taking this medicine.

Possible Side Effects

Along with its desired effects, indinavir sulfate can cause some serious unwanted effects, including kidney stones. A doctor should be notified if an individual (especially a child) taking this medication experiences symptoms of kidney stones, which include severe side or back pain or blood in the urine. To lessen the chance of kidney stones, it is important to drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day while taking indinavir. Other serious side effects include changes in body fat, increased bleeding in individuals with hemophilia, high sugar and fat levels in the blood, and onset or worsening of diabetes. Individuals should tell a doctor if they have any of these side effects.Other side effects may not be serious and may lessen or disappear with continued use of the medicine. Less serious side effects of this medicine include change in sense of taste; diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting; dizziness or drowsiness; general feeling of weakness; headache; stomach pain; and trouble sleeping. Individuals should tell a doctor if these side effects continue or are bothersome.

Drug Interactions

A doctor should be notified of any other medications being taken, including prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter), or herbal medications.

Clinical Trials

Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Indinavir.

Manufacturer Information

Crixivan
Merck & Company, Inc
PO Box 4-ZB-714
West Point, PA 19486
Phone: 800-672-6372

Indinavir
Merck & Company, Inc
PO Box 4-ZB-714
West Point, PA 19486
Phone: 800-672-6372