Indinavir is a drug used to reduce the amount of the virus that causes HIV infection. This drug cannot cure HIV. Reducing the amount of virus is expected to reduce the risk of complications due to HIV infection.
This drug works by binding to a protease enzyme needed by the HIV virus to divide. In order to work more effectively, doctors usually give indinavir along with other protease inhibitor antivirals, such as ritonavir.
Trademark indinavir:-
What is Indinavir?
| group | Anti Virus |
| Category | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Controlling HIV infection |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Indinavir for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether Indinavir is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without telling your doctor. |
| Drug form | Capsule |
Precautions Before Taking Indinavir
- Do not take indinavir if you are allergic to this drug and to protease inhibitor antiviral drugs.
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of kidney problems, heart problems, liver problems, diabetes, hemophilia, or high cholesterol.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy, do not use this medicine without telling your doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal products and supplements.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking indinavir before having surgery or other medical procedures.
- Do not drive a vehicle or operate machinery while taking indinavir because this medicine may cause drowsiness.
- If you have an allergic reaction or overdose after taking this medicine, see your doctor immediately.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Indinavir
The dose of indinavir will be determined by the doctor according to the patient's age and health condition. The following are the commonly given doses of indinavir:
- Mature: 800 mg every 8 hours.
The dose may be lowered when combined with other drugs, such as itraconazole, rifabutin, delavirdine, or ketoconazole.
- Children > 4 years: 500 mg/m² every 8 hours, without exceeding the adult dose.
In HIV patients who suffer from liver disorders, the dose is 600 mg every 8 hours.
How to Take Indinavir Correctly
Use indinavir as directed by your doctor or medication instructions.
Do not increase or decrease the dose given, and do not extend the time of use of the drug or stop taking the drug suddenly.
Indinavir should be taken on an empty stomach, ie 1 hour before eating or 2 hours after eating. However, if this method causes stomach upset, indinavir can be taken with drinks or snacks, such as juice, tea, coffee, and low-fat milk.
Drink plenty of water while taking indinavir. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine.
For indinavir to work optimally, take this medication at the same time each day.
Make sure there is enough space between one dose and the next.
If you forget to take indinavir, immediately replace the missed dose during the interval with the next dose in under 2 hours. If it is more than that, ignore and do not double the dose.
Store indinavir in a dry place at room temperature, and keep out of reach of children.
Interactions of Indinavir with Other Drugs
The following are some interactions that can occur if indinavir is used together with other medicines:
- Decreased effectiveness of indinavir, when used with antacids, bevurapine, efavirenz, and rifampicin.
- Increased risk of side effects of indinavir when used with delavirdine, ketoconazole, ritonavirelfinavir, statins, midazolam, alprazolam, or triazolam.
- Increased risk of side effects of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, when used concomitantly with indinavir.
- Increased risk of arrhythmias when used with amiodarone, pimozide or cisapride.
- Decreased effectiveness of asunaprevir, lurasidone, flibanserin, trazodone, regorafenib, salmeterol, calcium-blocking drugs, and PDE5 blocking drugs (such as sildenafil and vardenafil).
Indinavir Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that can occur after taking indinavir are:
- Stomach pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness and headache
- Loss of appetite
- Heartburn
- Body feels tired or weak
- Back pain
- Joint pain
- Dry mouth and skin
- Diarrhea
- Difficult to urinate
- Cough
- Short breath
Check with your doctor if you experience the above complaints or have an allergic drug reaction, such as a rash on the skin, swelling of the lips and eyes, or difficulty breathing.
