Indinavir is a proteases inhibitor that reduces the levels of HIV in the blood but does not cure the infection.
What is Indinavir?
Indinavir is used along with other medications to reduce the risk of HIV infection that evolves in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It can also be used in combination with other medications to reduce the risk of infection in individuals exposed to virus.
How should Indinavir be taken?
Indinavir can be taken orally in the form of capsules. Typically, it is advised to take 3 doses per day on an empty stomach (one hour before or two hours after meals). However, if Indinavir causes gastric problems, it should be taken with a light meal (e.g. not skim milk).
Side effects associated with Indinavir
Possible side effects of Indinavir include the following:
- Increase in blood sugar
- Accelerated heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Pain on one side of the body
- Pain in the upper right abdomen
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Jaundice
- Bruising or bleeding
- Backache
- Stomach ache
- Headache
- Nausea
- Urticaria
- Pallor
- Loss of appetite
- Itching
- Rash
- Blood in urine
- Flu-like symptoms
- Extreme fatigue
- Dark urine
- Blistering or peeling
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Indinavir
In case of treatment with Didanoside, it is advised to take the medication at least one hour before or after taking Indinavir.
Before taking Indinavir, it is important to inform your doctor:
- If you have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, or to other drugs
- If you are taking any medicines, herbal supplements or other drugs. Mentioning in particular: alfuzosin, alprazolam, amiodarone, cisapride, ergot derivatives, lovastatin and other statins, midazolam (orally), pimozide, sildenafil and drugs against erectile dysfunction, simvastatin, triazolam, bosentan, calcium channel blockers, colchicine, dexamethasone, fluticasone, itraconazole, ketoconazole, HIV drugs, antiarrhythmics, immunosuppressants, midazolam (injections) phosphodiesterase inhibitors, phenobarbital, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifabutin, rifampin, salmeterol, tadalafil, trazodone, and oral supplements such as venlafaxine and St. john's wort
- If you suffer (or have suffered) from hemophilia, diabetes, kidney or liver disease
- If you are pregnant or breast-feeding
