Indinavir

Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Indinavir

Indinavir is an antiviral medication in a group called HIV protease inhibitor medicines. Indinavir prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying in your body. It works by slowing the growth of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. It can not cure HIV infection and is not effective against bacterial infection.

Therapeutic Uses of Indinavir

Indinavir is an HIV protease inhibitor medicine. It is used for treatment of HIV infection and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome).

Direction of use of Indinavir

Indinavir should be taken exactly as directed by your doctor.

• Take Indinavir orally with a glass of water (may also be taken with other liquids such as skim milk, juice, coffee, or tea.) on empty stomach at least 1 hour before meal or it can be taken 2 hours after eating. It may also be taken with a light meal that is low in calories, fat, and protein.
• You should drink extra fluids while you are taking Indinavir. You should drink at least 48 ounces (1.5 Liters) of water a day while you are on Indinavir unless your doctor directs you otherwise.
• If you take didanosine, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take it along with Indinavir.
• You should not consume large amounts of garlic as it may decrease the effectiveness of Indinavir. Consult 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 and this may increase your risk for serious side effects. Consult with your doctor before including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your regular diet.
• Indinavir should be taken on a regular schedule of every 8 hours around the clock (taking regularly in time gives the best result), unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
• Indinavir is to be taken regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking Indinavir at the same time each day will also help you remember to take it.
• Keep taking Indinavir even if you feel well without missing a dose of it.

If You Miss a Dose of Indinavir

If you miss a dose of Indinavir you should take it as soon as you can remember it if it is less than 2 hours. If you miss a dose of Indinavir by more than 2 hours, skip the dose and do not take that dose. Take your next dose as scheduled. It is important not to miss any dose of Indinavir. Do not take 2 doses at a time for missing a dose of it.

How to Store Indinavir

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

More Information About Indinavir

Indinavir is to be used only by the patient (HIV 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.

Precautions to be Taken While Taking Indinavir

Do not use Indinavir if you have allergy to any of the ingredients used in Indinavir and consult your doctor right away. Important notes on Indinavir:

• Use Indinavir with caution. Indinavir may cause drowsiness or dizziness and these effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or with certain medicines. Do not drive or operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous, especially any task that need constant attention and monitoring until you know that Indinavir do not cause drowsiness or dizziness in you.
• Indinavir can not cure HIV infection. Patients may still get illnesses and infections associated with HIV (even if they are taking Indinavir). Remain under the care of your doctor during treatment with Indinavir.
• Indinavir does not stop the spread of HIV to others through blood (or other body fluids) sexual contact. Use barrier like condoms during sexual intercourse if you have HIV infection. Do not share needles, injection supplies, or items like toothbrushes or razors if you are HIV positive.
• When your medicine (Indinavir) 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 (which may deteriorate your condition). If you do, the virus may become resistant to Indinavir and become harder to manage the infection.
• Indinavir may improve immune system function of your body. This may reveal hidden infections in some patients. Tell your doctor right away if you notice signs or symptoms of an infection like fever, sore throat, weakness, cough, shortness of breath after you start taking Indinavir.
• Pregnancy and breast feeding: If you are pregnant you should consult and discuss in detail before you start taking Indinavir. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. Mothers infected with HIV should not breast-feed. There is a risk of passing the HIV infection to the baby. It is not known if Indinavir is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Indinavir.

Possible Adverse Effects of Indinavir

• Bad taste in the mouth; diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, headache, tiredness, weakness etc. are the common and mild side effects of Indinavir. If any of these common and minor side effects become bothersome or persistent you should consult your doctor.
• Seek medical attention right away if you experience any of the severe but uncommon side effects of Indinavir. The severe side effects of Indinavir are severe allergic reaction (the manifestations of severe allergic reaction are skin rash, hives, itching, difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue etc.); chest pain, back pain, flank pain, side pain, severe or persistent stomach pain; blood in urine, cloudy urine, change in the amount of urine, dark urine, pain while urinating; changes in appetite (increase appetite or loss of appetite); fever, chills; confusion, mental or mood changes; fast or irregular heartbeat; flushed face, heartburn; ingrown toenails; joint or muscle aches; numbness of the mouth, one-sided numbness or weakness; pale stools; red, swollen, or blistered skin; severe dizziness or fainting; speech problems; swelling of the feet, hands, lower legs; stomach upset; unusual hair loss; unusual paleness; unusual tiredness; unusually dry skin; some vision changes; weight changes; yellowing of the skin or eyes etc.

Desease

• HIV virus infection