Indinavir

What is Indinavir?

Indinavir is an antiretroviral medication in the protease inhibitor class. In Canada, it is prescribed to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and is usually taken with other antiviral medications. Indinavir helps reduce viral replication in the body, but it does not cure HIV. It does not work for influenza (flu), colds, or other non-HIV viral infections.

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

What important information should I know about Indinavir?

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can lower 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 make it less effective and may contribute to viral resistance.

Indinavir may cause dizziness or affect coordination. Be careful when driving, using machinery, climbing, or doing anything hazardous until you know how this medication affects you.

Alcohol may increase the risk of side effects such as flushing and a fast 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 problems (including rhythm problems)
• Liver or kidney disease
• Anemia or other blood disorders
• An allergy to indinavir or similar medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Stomach or intestinal problems (including colitis)
• Hemophilia
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or plans to become pregnant

How to take Indinavir

Indinavir comes as capsules to take by mouth.

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.

Your dose may vary depending on your treatment plan. 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 go back 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?

Get medical help right away 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
• Medications for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disorders
• Medications for erectile dysfunction
• Antifungals such as ketoconazole or itraconazole
• Blood pressure medications such as amlodipine, felodipine, or nifedipine
• Other HIV medications
• Phenytoin
• Phenobarbital
• Quinidine
• Rifabutin
• Sirolimus
• Tacrolimus

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

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

What side effects may occur?

• Allergic reactions (hives; trouble 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 the hands or feet, tremor, muscle stiffness, spasms
• Trouble 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 feeling faint
• Signs of liver problems (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Changes in body fat distribution (weight gain around the waist or back, or thinning of the face, arms, or legs)
• Loss of appetite
• Pain in the lower back or side

If side effects continue or get worse, 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 it from moisture, direct heat, and light. Do not store it in the bathroom or near a sink. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.