Indinavir

Indinavir is used to treat HIV infection in some patients when used in combination with certain other medicines. It is an HIV protease inhibitor. It works by slowing the growth of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Dosage and Directions
Take Indinavir by mouth on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. You may also take it with a light meal that is low in calories, fat, and protein. Take Indinavir with water. You may also take it with other liquids such as skim milk, juice, coffee, or tea. It is recommended to drink extra fluids.

Precautions
Before using Indinavir discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning become pregnant or breast-feeding, if you have allergy to food, medicines, or other substances, if you are taking any prescribed or not prescribed medications, herbal products, or dietary supplements, have cirrhosis, liver or kidney problems, diabetes, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, kidney stones, urinary problems (white blood cells in the urine), or blood problems (hemophilia hemolytic anemia).

Contraindications
Do not use Indinavir if you are allergic to its components; you are taking alfuzosin, amiodarone, astemizole, atazanavir, certain benzodiazepines (eg, alprazolam, oral midazolam, triazolam), cisapride, conivaptan, an ergot alkaloid (eg, ergonovine, ergotamine), erythromycin, certain HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (lovastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin), pimozide, a proton pump inhibitor (omeprazole), ranolazine, rifampin, salmeterol, a serotonin 5-HT1 receptor antagonist (eg, eletriptan, sumatriptan), St. John's wort, or terfenadine, sildenafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Side Effects
The common side effects are bad taste in the mouth; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; nausea; tiredness; vomiting; weakness. Seek urgent medical attention if you experience the following severe side effects: allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); back, flank, or side pain; bloody or cloudy urine; change in the amount of urine; changes in appetite; chest pain; chills; confusion; dark urine; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; flushed face; heartburn; ingrown toenails; joint or muscle aches; mental or mood changes; numbness of the mouth; one-sided numbness or weakness; pain while urinating; pale stools; red, swollen, or blistered skin; severe dizziness or fainting; severe or persistent stomach pain or upset; speech problems; swelling of the feet, hands, lower legs, or stomach; unusual hair loss; unusual paleness; unusual tiredness; unusually dry skin; vision changes; weight changes; yellowing of the skin or eyes.