Indinavir
About Indinavir
Indinavir is a prescription medicine used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It belongs to a class of medicines known as protease inhibitors, which work by managing the amount of virus in the body. When taken alongside other antiretroviral medications, it helps keep the infection under control and protects your immune system from further damage.
To get the best results, you must take Indinavir consistently and at the exact times prescribed by your doctor. It is typically taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water, although your doctor may adjust these instructions if you take it with other boosting medicines. Maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, and avoiding smoking are key lifestyle habits that support your overall immune health while on this treatment.
Some people taking this medicine may experience mild side effects, such as an upset stomach, changes in taste, or dry skin. However, you must contact your doctor immediately if you face serious side effects, such as sharp pain in your back or side, blood in your urine, or yellowing of your skin and eyes.
Before starting this medicine, talk to your doctor if you have a history of liver damage, kidney disease, high blood sugar, or bleeding disorders. Do not take this if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or if you are currently taking certain medicines that interact poorly with it.
This medicine can interact strongly with several other prescription drugs, herbal remedies, and alcohol, which can increase your risk of liver damage or make your treatment less effective. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a family, talk to your doctor to understand the risks and benefits of using this medicine.
Uses of Indinavir
Medicinal Benefits
Using Indinavir as prescribed helps control HIV-1 infection and supports long-term immune health. Here are the key benefits you can expect:
- Supports immune system health: By keeping the virus from multiplying, this medicine helps maintain your body's natural defense cells. This makes you less likely to get sick from other infections.
- Reduces viral load: It helps lower the amount of the virus in your blood to very low levels, which is a key goal of managing your health over the long term.
- Promotes daily wellness: When taken consistently as part of a combination plan, it helps you maintain your daily routine, energy levels, and overall physical well-being.
Directions for Use
- Indinavir can be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal, with water, juice, milk, coffee, or tea.
- It is usually taken every 8 hours; however, follow your doctor’s advice regarding the dosage and duration.
- Swallow the capsule as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, open or break Indinavir.
Storage
Side Effects of Indinavir
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Upset stomach or mild nausea
- Changes in how food tastes
- Mild headache or feeling tired
- Dry skin or mild skin peeling
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Sharp pain in your side or lower back, or blood in your urine (signs of kidney stones)
- Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (signs of liver damage)
- Signs of high blood sugar, such as feeling unusually thirsty or needing to urinate much more often
- Difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, or throat, or a severe skin rash (allergic reaction)
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Check before use: Ensure the capsules are not damp or sticking together before taking them.
- Keep the drying agent in the bottle: Do not remove the drying agent, as it helps protect the capsules from moisture.
- Do not stop treatment suddenly: Continue taking Indinavir as prescribed, even if you feel well, unless your doctor tells you to stop.
- Inform your healthcare provider: Tell your doctor, dentist, or surgeon that you are taking Indinavir before any medical or dental procedure.
- Separate from antacids: If you take antacids, take them at least 1 hour apart from Indinavir to ensure proper absorption.
- Maintain physical activity and follow a heart-healthy diet: Regular exercise and a balanced diet may help reduce the risk of body fat redistribution (lipodystrophy), elevated cholesterol, triglycerides, and high blood sugar associated with long-term treatment. Your doctor may monitor these changes with periodic blood tests.
Drug Interactions
- Cholesterol-lowering medicines: Medicines such as simvastatin and lovastatin may increase the risk of serious muscle damage.
- Rifampicin: May reduce the effectiveness of Indinavir, making it less effective at controlling HIV.
- Sedatives: Medicines such as midazolam and triazolam may increase the risk of excessive drowsiness or breathing problems.
- St John's wort: May lower the levels of Indinavir in the body, reducing its effectiveness.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known whether Indinavir interacts with alcohol. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Pregnancy
cautionIndinavir belongs to pregnancy category C. It should be used during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while taking Indinavir. HIV-positive women must not breastfeed as HIV infection can be passed to the baby in breast milk.
Driving
consult your doctorIt is not known if Indinavir affects your ability to drive. Drive or operate machinery only if you are feeling well.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have liver problems, particularly if you have mild or moderate liver disease caused by cirrhosis.
Kidney
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
consult your doctorPlease consult the doctor. Your doctor may prescribe a suitable dose based on your child's age and condition.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Drink abundant water: Aim to drink at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water throughout the day to lower your risk of developing painful kidney stones.
- Watch your fat intake: If your doctor advises taking this medicine with a light meal, ensure it is low in fat, as high-fat meals can make it harder for your body to absorb the medicine properly.
- Maintain physical activity: Regular exercise can help manage changes in body fat and blood sugar levels, which are sometimes associated with long-term antiviral use.
- Eat regular, balanced meals: Keep a food diary to track how your stomach reacts to the medicine and to ensure you are getting enough nutrients to support your immune system.
Special Advise
- Avoid taking Indinavir at the same time as meals that are high in calories, protein, or fat.
- Drink at least 1.5 litres of fluids (preferably water) throughout the day, every day.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
HIV infection: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system and destroys the white blood cells that help fight infection, making the individual susceptible to other infections or illnesses. People with HIV experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, tiredness, and sore throat. These symptoms usually last for days to several weeks. It spreads through body fluids such as semen, vaginal fluid, and blood. If left untreated, this condition can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). It is a life-long condition, and there is no definite cure for it. However, it can be controlled by treating it with antiretroviral drugs.
FAQs
Indinavir is used to treat HIV infection.
Indinavir works by decreasing the amount of HIV in the blood. Thereby, Indinavir helps treat HIV infection.
Taking Indinavir with cholesterol-lowering medicines called statins may cause severe muscle pain and weakness. Consult the doctor if you experience severe muscle pain or weakness.
Indinavir may cause kidney stones. Therefore, drink plenty of fluids while on treatment with Indinavir as it helps reduce the chances of forming a kidney stone. Consult the doctor if you develop kidney pain (middle to the lower stomach or back pain) or blood in the urine.
Indinavir does not reduce the risk of passing HIV to others through blood contamination or sexual contact. Therefore, practice safe sex to prevent the risk of transmission.
Consult the doctor before taking sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil with Indinavir as taking them together might increase the risk of side effects like low blood pressure, penile erection lasting more than 4 hours, or visual changes associated with sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil. Seek immediate medical assistance if you have an erection lasting longer than 4 hours.
Didanosine can be taken with Indinavir if prescribed by the doctor. However, maintain a gap of 1 hour between didanosine and Indinavir.
Indinavir may cause hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) even though you do not have diabetes. Consult the doctor immediately if you notice symptoms of high blood sugar, like frequent urination, extreme thirst, blurred vision, extreme hunger, or weakness. High blood sugar can lead to a serious condition called ketoacidosis if not treated. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, shortness of breath, and decreased consciousness.
It is best to take Indinavir on an empty stomach with water. If you must take it with food, choose a light, low-fat meal, as high-fat foods can prevent your body from absorbing the medicine properly. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for specific dietary advice.
If you experience sharp side or back pain, or see blood in your urine, contact your doctor immediately. They may need to temporarily pause your treatment or suggest ways to manage the condition. Talk to your doctor before making any changes.
No, Indinavir does not cure HIV, but it helps keep the virus under control so your immune system can stay strong. It is vital to take it daily as part of your overall treatment plan. Talk to your doctor about your long-term health management.
Yes, this medicine can affect how hormonal contraceptives work, making them less reliable at preventing pregnancy. You may need to use an alternative barrier method, such as condoms. Talk to your doctor about the safest birth control options for you.
It is best to avoid or limit alcohol while taking this medicine. Alcohol can increase stress on your liver, which already works hard to process Indinavir, potentially raising the risk of liver damage. Talk to your doctor about safe alcohol consumption.
Keep the capsules in their original bottle with the drying packet inside to protect them from moisture. Avoid leaving them in a hot car or damp luggage. Talk to your pharmacist if you need tips for carrying your medication safely during travel.
Signs of a severe allergic reaction include skin rashes, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, and difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately. Talk to your doctor if you have a history of allergies.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, your doctor will carefully weigh the benefits of controlling HIV infection against any potential risks to your baby before recommending Indinavir. Do not start or stop this medicine during pregnancy without medical advice. Breastfeeding is generally not recommended for people with HIV, as the virus can be passed to the baby through breast milk, even when receiving treatment. Always follow your doctor's recommendations regarding pregnancy and infant feeding.
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