Manufacturer: Cipla, India
Pharmaceutical name: Indinavir
Pack: 1 tab (400 mg)
Indinavir is prescribed to manage HIV infection in certain patients when combined with specific other medications. It functions as an HIV protease inhibitor by inhibiting the proliferation of HIV, the virus responsible for AIDS.
Indinavir should be taken orally on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour prior to or 2 hours after meals. It may also be consumed with a light, low-calorie meal that contains minimal fat and protein. Ensure to take Indinavir with water, but it can also be taken with other liquids like skim milk, juice, coffee, or tea. It is advisable to stay hydrated by drinking additional fluids.
Before starting Indinavir, consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Also inform them about any food, medicine, or substance allergies you may have, as well as any prescribed or over-the-counter medications, herbal products, or dietary supplements you are taking. Disclose if you have conditions like cirrhosis, liver or kidney issues, diabetes, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, kidney stones, urinary complications (white blood cells in urine), or blood disorders (such as hemophilia or hemolytic anemia).
Avoid using Indinavir if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or if you are taking alfuzosin, amiodarone, astemizole, atazanavir, certain benzodiazepines (for example, alprazolam, oral midazolam, triazolam), cisapride, conivaptan, an ergot alkaloid (like ergonovine, ergotamine), erythromycin, specific HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (such as lovastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin), pimozide, a proton pump inhibitor (like omeprazole), ranolazine, rifampin, salmeterol, a serotonin 5-HT1 receptor antagonist (for example, eletriptan, sumatriptan), St. John's wort, terfenadine, or sildenafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
Frequent side effects of Indinavir include a bad taste in the mouth, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and weakness. Seek immediate medical assistance if you experience severe side effects such as allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, breathing difficulties, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), back, flank, or side pain, blood or cloudy urine, changes in urine volume, appetite fluctuations, chest pain, chills, confusion, dark urine, rapid or irregular heartbeat, fever, flushed face, heartburn, ingrown toenails, joint or muscle pains, mental or mood changes, mouth numbness, unilateral numbness or weakness, painful urination, pale stools, red, swollen, or blistered skin, severe dizziness or fainting, intense or ongoing stomach pain, speech difficulties, swelling in the feet, hands, lower legs, or abdomen, unusual hair loss, extreme paleness, unusual tiredness, excessively dry skin, vision changes, weight fluctuations, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.