Health Library

Indinavir (By mouth)

Indinavir (in-DIN-a-vir)

Treats HIV infection. This medicine does not cure HIV or AIDS, but combinations of drugs may slow the progress of the disease.

Brand Name(s):

Crixivan

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Indinavir is used together with other medicines to treat HIV infection. Take all of the medicines your doctor has prescribed at the right time of day and in the correct order. Do not stop using your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
• Take this medicine with water on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. It may also be taken with other nonfat liquids (including skim milk, juice, coffee, or tea) or with a light, nonfat meal (including toast with jelly or corn flakes with skim milk and sugar).
• Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. If you stop the medicine even briefly, the virus may become harder to treat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist when your supply is running low so you do not run out.
• Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: If you miss by less than 2 hours, take your medicine as soon as you can. If you miss by more than 2 hours, wait and take your next regular dose at the regular time, and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Moisture might damage the capsules. Keep them in the original container and leave the drying packet in the container.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine if you also use alfuzosin, alprazolam, amiodarone, cisapride, dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, lovastatin, lurasidone, methylergonovine, midazolam, pimozide, sildenafil, simvastatin, St John's wort, or triazolam.
• Many other drugs can interact with indinavir. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
• If you also take didanosine, take it at least 1 hour before or after you take indinavir.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including cirrhosis, hepatitis), diabetes, or hemophilia.
• Do not breastfeed. You can spread HIV or AIDS to your baby through your breast milk.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of kidney stones or gallstones
  • Hemolytic anemia
  • Liver problems
  • High blood sugar levels, a problem that could become permanent
• Your immune system may get stronger when you start taking an HIV medicine. Infections that were hidden in your body, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis, might start to have symptoms. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your health.
• Always practice safe sex, even if your partner also has HIV. If you stop taking this medicine or do not take it as prescribed, you may spread HIV to others. Do not reuse or share needles, or other items, that may have blood or body fluids on them.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Blood in your urine, difficult or painful urination, pain in the lower back
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Increased hunger or thirst, change in how much or how often you urinate, unusual weight loss
• Trouble breathing, tiredness, uneven heartbeat
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache
• Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024