Indinavir (Crixivan) Drug for AIDS/HIV: Use, Side Effects, Interactions

Indinavir
(Crixivan, United States and Canada)

Use:

Indinavir or Crixivan is an anti-viral drug which is used in infections such as HIV and AIDS.

How It Works:

Indinavir or Crixivan is a protease inhibitor which means it blocks an enzyme - protease - which the virus needs to reproduce.
HIV infections have the ability to develop a resistance to Indinavir or Crixivan. For this reason Indinavir or Crixivan is often given in combination with other AIDS drugs which reduces the development of resistance. If resistance does develop, other protease inhibitors - ritonavir, saquinavir - can be used.

Side Effects:

Indinavir or Crixivan is generally well tolerated. There can be a mild elevation of bilirubin, and some people may get kidney stones. To prevent kidney stones, Indinavir or Crixivan can be take with eight ounces of water, one hour before or two hours after a meal.

Cautions for People:

People with liver function problems should be careful when taking Indinavir or Crixivan.

Drug Interactions:

Indinavir or Crixivan has fewer drug interactions than ritonavir, care must be used when taking any other drug that is also metabolized in the liver.

Further Reading:

JAMA 1996;275:142,149
Med Letter 1996;38(972):35
JABFP 1996;9(2):125

Added to Virtual Drugstore August 1996.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.