Crixivan

Crixivan (Indinavir Sulfate)

General information

Crixivan belongs to a class of drugs known as protease inhibitors. It 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). Crixivan is not a cure for HIV. It does not prevent the spread of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination. This medication may also be used to prevent HIV infection after contact with the virus.

Directions

Take Crixivan exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. The recommended adult dose is 800 mg taken with water every 8 hours. In people with mild to moderate liver disease, the recommended dose is 600 mg every eight hours. It should be taken one hour before or 2 hours after a meal. To help decrease the risk of kidney stones, drink at least 6 full glasses of water or other liquids throughout the day.

Precautions

Before taking Crixivan you should talk with your doctor if you have kidney stones, liver disease, liver failure, cirrhosis, hepatitis, diabetes, hemophilia, diabetes, heart problems, coronary artery disease, heart attack, kidney disease, kidney failure, any allergies. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. Taking indinavir will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people through unprotected sex or sharing of needles. Avoid taking this medication with a meal high in calories, fat, and protein since this may decrease its effect.

Contraindications

Do not take Crixivan if you are allergic to indinavir or any ingredients of this medication, are taking any of the following medications: alprazolam, amiodarone, astemizole, cisapride, ergot derivatives (ergotamine, dihydroergotamine), midazolam, pimozide, terfenadine, triazolam. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, sleepiness, weakness, confusion, dehydration, mouth sores, muscle aches or pain, pounding heartbeat, increased thirst, increased urination, yellowing of the skin or eyes, weight loss, painful urination, blood in urine, dark urine, pale stools, chest pain or pressure, peeling, blistering, back pain, chills, fever, rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue, throat, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: seizure medications (phenytoin, felbamate, carbamazepine), HIV/AIDS medications (nevirapine, lamivudine, ritonavir, zidovudine), phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors (tadalafil, sildenafil, vardenafil), insulin, heart rhythm medications (quinidine, flecainide, amiodarone), cyclosporine, tacrolimus, cholesterol-lowering medicines (fluvastatin, cerivastatin, simvastatin, lovastatin), calcium channel blockers (nimodipine, verapamil, nifedipine), antidepressants (fluoxetine, amitriptyline, citalopram, nortriptyline, doxepin), antibiotics (telithromycin, erythromycin, clarithromycin), fluticasone. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lower back pain, blood in the urine.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.