Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: INDINAVIR CAPSULE - ORAL (in-DIN-uh-veer)
BRAND NAME(S): Crixivan
Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
USES: Indinavir is a protease inhibitor type of antiviral medication. It may be used in combination with other drugs to treat human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV). It works by slowing the growth of the virus. This drug is not a cure for HIV and does not prevent the passing of HIV to others.
OTHER USES: This medication may also be used to prevent HIV after coming in contact with the virus.
HOW TO USE: This medication is taken three times daily (every 8 hours) by mouth. It should be taken with water, skim milk, juice (except grapefruit juice), coffee or tea. It should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after a full meal. It may also be taken with a light snack such as dry toast with jelly or corn flakes. It should not be taken with a meal high in calories, fat or protein. Drink plenty of fluids unless otherwise directed. It is critical to take this medication every day exactly as prescribed. Do not interrupt treatment unless directed to do so by your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects are nausea, stomach pain, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, insomnia, acid stomach and altered sense of taste. Less common side effects include constipation, gas, anxiety, cough, blurred vision and dizziness. Inform your doctor if these should persist or worsen. Report promptly: back or flank pain, blood in the urine, pain while urinating, change in the amount of urine, fast heartbeat, chills, fever, unusual fatigue, thirst, yellowing eyes/skin. Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medication (e.g., increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect. In the unlikely event you have a serious allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, severe dizziness, swelling, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus - Read about HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) causes, symptoms, signs, treatment, prevention, transmission, facts, testing, research (vaccine), statistics and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
- Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Interactive Slideshows