Indinavir is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in adults. It belongs to a class of drugs called protease inhibitors, which slow the spread of HIV infection in the body. It is usually taken with other antiviral medications. Indinavir is not a cure and may not decrease the number of HIV-related illnesses. Indinavir does not prevent the spread of HIV to other people.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Indinavir comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 8 hours (three times a day). Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take indinavir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to take indinavir even if you feel well. Do not stop taking indinavir without talking to your doctor.
Indinavir is also used sometimes in combination with zidovudine (Retrovir, AZT) and lamivudine (Epivir) to treat health-care workers and other individuals exposed to HIV infection after accidental contact with HIV-contaminated blood, tissues, or other body fluids. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
Take indinavir on an empty stomach, 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals, with plenty of fluids (an 8-ounce [240-milliliter] glass of water). However, if indinavir upsets your stomach, it may be taken with a light meal, such as dry toast or cornflakes with skim milk. Do not take with grapefruit juice. If you are also taking didanosine (DDI), take 1 hour apart on an empty stomach.
Drink at least 48 ounces (1.5 liters), which is approximately six 8-ounce (240-milliliter) glasses, of water or other liquids every 24 hours.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
headache
stomach pain
change in the distribution of body fat
rash
back pain
pain in the side of your body
blood in urine
muscle pain
upset stomach
excessive tiredness
unusual bleeding or bruising
loss of appetite
pain in the upper right part of your stomach
flu-like symptoms
dark yellow or brown urine
yellowing of the skin or eyes
paleness
frequent urination
increased thirst
weakness
dizziness
headache
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. A desiccant (drying agent) is included with your capsules; keep this in your medicine bottle at all times. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to indinavir.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Reviewed - 02/01/2012
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.