Crixivan

What is this medication for?

Indinavir is used in combination with other HIV medications to treat the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the virus responsible for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Indinavir is one of a class of medications called protease inhibitors. Protease is an enzyme that is needed by HIV to reproduce. Indinavir blocks the action of protease.

This medication does not cure AIDS and does not prevent it from being spread to others. It does slow further growth or reproduction of HIV when used in combination with other medications, and it seems to slow down the destruction of the immune system. This may help to delay the development of problems that are related to AIDS or HIV disease.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

What form(s) does this medication come in?

Crixivan® is available as:

• capsules
  • 100 mg
  • 200 mg
  • 333 mg
  • 400 mg

How should I use this medication?

The recommended dose of indinavir is 800 mg taken every 8 hours. This medication should be taken with water either 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. It may also be taken with other liquids such as skim milk, juice, coffee, or tea, or with a snack (e.g., dry toast with jelly, apple juice, or corn flakes with skim milk and sugar). Do not take indinavir with meals that are high in fat or calories, as this will reduce your body's ability to absorb the medication, which reduces its effectiveness.

The recommended dose of indinavir is 800 mg taken every 8 hours. This medication should be taken with water either 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. It may also be taken with other liquids such as skim milk, juice, coffee, or tea, or with a snack (e.g., dry toast with jelly, apple juice, or corn flakes with skim milk and sugar). Do not take indinavir with meals that are high in fat or calories, as this will reduce your body's ability to absorb the medication, which reduces its effectiveness.

It is important to drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication to prevent kidney stones. Usually about 48 ounces of fluid per day is recommended.

Finish all this medication, even if you have started to feel better.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is very important to take this medication on a regular basis as prescribed. The doses should be spaced as close to every eight hours as possible. If you miss a dose by more than 2 hours, do not take it later in the day. Simply continue to follow your usual schedule. If you miss a dose by less than 2 hours, then take your missed dose immediately. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you forget many doses in a row, talk to your doctor about how to resume dosing.

Store this medication at room temperature in its original container with the desiccant in the container, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Who should NOT take this medication?

Indinavir should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to indinavir or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• is taking any of the following:
  • antiarrhythmics (e.g., amiodarone)
  • antihistamines (e.g., astemizole)
  • benzodiazepines (e.g., triazolam, midazolam)
  • cisapride
  • ergot derivatives (e.g., ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, methylergonovine)
  • pimozide