Crixivan is an oral tablet made up of a PI (protease inhibitor) called indinavir. You can buy this drug as its brand name Crixivan or as its generic alternative, which is just sold as Crixivans active ingredient; indinavir. Both the brand and generic choice come in 400mg doses.

Crixivan is prescribed for the treatment of HIV infection in adults in combination with other HIV medications. HIV does not yet have a cure however medications used for HIV help those diagnosed live longer, healthier and happier lives. Crixivan reduces the amount of HIV in the body as well as helps to minimize the transmission of HIV. This medication is effective because protease inhibitors work similar to that of a bodyguard; they block an HIV enzyme (a protein that initiates or increases the speed of a chemical reaction) called protease from producing as fast.

Always follow directions given to you by your doctor. Instructions can usually also be found on the prescription or prescription bottle/container.

Crixivan is most commonly taken every 8 hours of every day with water (or another beverage) on an empty stomach. Ensure you have not eaten within 2 hours of taking this medication.

Your doctor may allow you to take Crixivan with a light meal.

Ensure you are also taking your other HIV medications as well as this medication must be taken in combination with others.

In rare cases, indinavir can cause kidney problems, a rapid breakdown of healthy red blood cells called hemolytic anemia, and liver problems.

Certain medications and certain diseases can interact with Crixivan negatively so it is important to tell your doctor about what you take and what conditions you have. Tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal remedies and include if you have kidney problems, diabetes, hemophilia, high cholesterol (or taking statins for high cholesterol) and any other medical condition. Also include any drug allergies you may have.

This medication should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely needed as it is not known if Crixivan will harm an unborn baby.  You should not breast feed if you are on Crixivan.

Children may be more susceptible to kidney stones as a side effect; to avoid this, ensure you are drinking at least 6 full glasses (8oz/glass) of liquids throughout the day.

Common side effects of Crixivan may include:

stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; indigestion, heartburn; changes in appetite; headache, dizziness, feeling weak or tired; back pain; rash, itching, dry skin; altered sense of taste;

Serious side effects of Crixivan may include:

painful or difficult urination; chest pain (especially when you breathe), dry cough, wheezing, feeling short of breath; cold sores, sores on your genital or anal area; rapid heart rate, feeling anxious or irritable, weakness or prickly feeling, problems with balance or eye movement; trouble speaking or swallowing, severe lower back pain, loss of bladder or bowel control; or swelling in your neck or throat

Signs to watch for:

Kidney problems: pain in your side or lower back, painful or difficult urination, blood in your urine;

Hemolytic Anemia: Feeling weak or tired, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice), pale skin color, feeling dizzy, fast heartbeat;

Liver problems: nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

New infection: fever, night sweats, swollen glands, mouth sores, diarrhea, stomach pain, weight loss;

Blood cell disorders: pale or yellowed skin, fever, dark colored urine, confusion or weakness.

Can children use Crixivan?

No, Crixivan has not been approved for the use in children.

What is the average dose?

The recommended dose for Crixivan is 800mg (usually divided as two 400mg capsules) every 8 hours; orally.

What if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose if it’s within 2 hours since you should have taken it. If its been longer than 2 hours, skip the missed dose. Do not double up on your next dose.

What medications may interact with Crixivan?

Quetiapine, rifampin, St. John's wort, heart or blood pressure medicine, cholesterol medicine, erectile dysfunction medicine, other HIV medicines (atazanavir, delavirdine, efavirenz, nelfinavir, nevirapine, ritonavir, saquinavir), seizure medicine, and steroid medicines can all interact with Crixivan. Consult your doctor for information on which medications react with indinavir.