Crixivan
Indinavir
Crixivan
Crixivan belongs to a class of drugs known as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitors. Crixivan is used with other medications to treat HIV.
HIV is a potentially life-threatening virus that attacks the lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that help the body fight off dangerous bacteria and infection. While Crixivan will not cure HIV, it inhibits the virus from reproducing and slows its progression throughout the body.
Crixivan will not prevent the transmission of HIV. Patients undergoing treatment with Crixivan should be aware that they can still pass the virus on to others through unprotected sex or the sharing of needles.
The most common side effects of Crixivan include:
- Stomach pain
- Fatigue or weakness
- Reduced red blood cell count
- Flank pain
- Painful urination
- Malaise
- Nausea or vomiting
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea
- Increased or decreased appetite
- Back pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Taste changes
- Rash, itching or dry skin
- Jaundice
- Upper respiratory infection
- Sore throat
For more information, see our Crixivan side effects page.
Crixivan is used in conjunction with other medications to treat patients who have been infected with HIV. The medication is used to prevent or prolong the onset of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), which can lead to a variety of fatal complications.
When taken in conjunction with Crixivan, the following medications can cause potentially life-threatening interactions:
- Midazolam (Versed)
- Pimozide (Orap)
- Cisapride (Propulsid)
- Amiodarone (Cordarone)
- Astemizole (Hismanal)
- Triazolam (Halcion)
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Sildenafil (Revatio)
- Alfuzosin (Uroxatral)
- Migraine medications
Patients should also not use Crixivan in conjunction with the following medications and substances:
- Lovastatin (Mevacor)
- Simvastatin (Zocor)
- Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
- Atazanavir (Reyataz)
- St. John's wort
Talk with your doctor before using Crixivan in conjunction with the following:
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- Erectile dysfunction medications (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra)
- Didanosine (Videx)
- Rifabutin (Mycobutin)
- Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
- Delavirdine (Rescriptor)
- Itraconazole (Sporanox)
- Efavirenz (Sustiva)
- Calcium channel blockers
- Antiarrhythmics
- Anticonvulsants
- Steroids
Crixivan may interact with other medications or substances that are not listed above. In order to avoid potentially hazardous interactions, patients should talk with their doctor about the use of any other medicines, vitamins or supplements before beginning treatment with Crixivan.
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Crixivan dosages may vary among patients. Your doctor will determine the size and frequency of your dosage according to your individual needs. Patients should follow the dosage guidelines established by their doctor.
Crixivan is administered in the form of an oral capsule. Patients usually take a dose of Crixivan every eight hours. Patients should take Crixivan with water, but without food, at least one hour before eating or two hours after eating.
Missing a Dose of Crixivan
If you forget to take a dose of Crixivan, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you forget to take a dose of Crixivan by more than two hours, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the appropriately scheduled time. Do not consume a double dose of Crixivan to compensate for a missed dose.
Crixivan Overdose
The most common symptoms of a Crixivan overdose include:
Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they take too much of this medication.
March 13, 1996
Crixivan does not carry any black box warnings and has not been associated with any significant recalls.
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September 9, 2010, 3:38 pm
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September 8, 2010, 3:39 pm
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September 7, 2010, 9:59 am
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September 2, 2010, 12:51 pm


