Drug Name

Indinavir

Drug Uses

Indinavir is an HIV protease inhibitor. It works by slowing the growth of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

How to use

Use Indinavir as directed by your doctor.

• Take Indinavir by mouth on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. You may also take it with a light meal that is low in calories, fat, and protein. Take this medicine with water. You may also take it with other liquids such as skim milk, juice, coffee, or tea.
• Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Indinavir is recommended. You should drink at least 48 ounces (1.5 L) of water a day unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
• If you take didanosine, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take it with Indinavir.
• Large amounts of garlic may decrease the effectiveness of Indinavir. Talk with your doctor before including garlic in your diet.
• Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while you are taking Indinavir may increase the amount of Indinavir in your blood, which may increase your risk for serious side effects. Talk with your doctor before including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet.
• Take Indinavir on a regular schedule every 8 hours around the clock, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
• Take Indinavir regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking Indinavir at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
• Continue to take Indinavir even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Indinavir.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Indinavir is an antiviral medication in a group of HIV medicines called protease (PRO-tee-ayz) inhibitors. Indinavir prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from multiplying in your body.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Indinavir by more than 2 hours, do not take that dose. Take your next dose as scheduled. If you miss the dose by less than 2 hours, take that dose immediately and then return to your regular dosing schedule. It is important not to miss doses of Indinavir. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Indinavir at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep Indinavir out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Indinavir if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Artane;
• you are taking alfuzosin, amiodarone, astemizole, atazanavir, certain benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, midazolam, triazolam), certain HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (e.g., lovastatin, simvastatin), cisapride, an ergot derivative (e.g., ergonovine, ergotamine), erythromycin, pimozide, a proton pump inhibitor (e.g., omeprazole), rifampin, a serotonin 5-HT1 receptor antagonist (e.g., eletriptan, sumatriptan), St. John's wort, or terfenadine.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important:

• Indinavir may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Indinavir with caution. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to it.
• This medicine is not a cure for HIV infection. Patients may still get illnesses and infections associated with HIV. Remain under the care of your doctor.
• Indinavir does not stop the spread of HIV to others through blood or sexual contact. Use barrier forms of contraception (e.g., condoms) if you have HIV infection. Do not share needles, injection supplies, or items like toothbrushes or razors.
• When your medicine supply is low, get more from your doctor or pharmacist as soon as you can. Do not stop taking Indinavir, even for a short period of time. If you do, the virus may grow resistent to the medicine and become harder to treat.
• Indinavir may improve immune system function. This may reveal hidden infections in some patients. Tell your doctor right away if you notice signs or symptoms of an infection (eg, fever, sore throat, weakness, cough, shortness of breath) after you start Indinavir.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. Mothers infected with HIV should not breast-feed. There is a risk of passing the HIV infection or Indinavir to the baby. It is not known if Indinavir is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Indinavir.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• bad taste in the mouth; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; nausea; tiredness; vomiting; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); back, flank, or side pain; bloody or cloudy urine; change in the amount of urine; changes in appetite; chest pain; chills; confusion; dark urine; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; flushed face; heartburn; ingrown toenails; joint or muscle aches; mental or mood changes; numbness of the mouth; one-sided numbness or weakness; pain while urinating; pale stools; red, swollen, or blistered skin; severe dizziness or fainting; severe or persistent stomach pain or upset; speech problems; swelling of the feet, hands, lower legs, or stomach; unusual hair loss; unusual paleness; unusual tiredness; unusually dry skin; vision changes; weight changes; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

Indinavir is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.