Generic name: Crixivan
Brand names: Crixivan, Indinavir
What is Crixivan?
Crixivan is a popular medicine that is known as a protease inhibitor. It prescribed for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It slows the spread of HIV infection in the body. It is usually taken with other antiviral drugs. It will not work for viral infections or flu or colds.
Ask your health care professional or pharmacist for more information about the medicinal influence of this product.
What important information should I know about Crixivan?
Grapefruit juice or grapefruit reduces indinavir levels. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit while being treated with Crixivan unless your health care provider instructs you otherwise.
Do not finish your course of Crixivan, even if you start to feel better. Stopping the medication too early may worsen some conditions.
Crixivan may make you dizzy or impair your coordination. Use caution when driving or climbing or operating machinery or doing hazardous activities until you know how you react to this medicine.
The combination of alcohol and Crixivan may cause flushing and a fast heart rate. It is important to use alcohol carefully during taking this drug.
Always tell a medic before giving Crixivan to a child.
What should I tell my doctor before I take this drug?
Your health care provider has to know about:
- heart disorders (such as heart rhythm problems)
- liver or kidney disease
- anemia or other blood disorders
- allergy to indinavir, or to similar medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- stomach or intestinal problems (colitis)
- hemophilia
- diabetes
- pregnancy, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant
How to take Crixivan?
Crixivan is presented in the capsule form to take by mouth.
The usual dose of this medicament is 800 mg. It should be taken every 8 hours, 3 times a day.
Crixivan is taken with a glass of water. It is important to take Crixivan on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after a meal. You may take it with juice, coffee, tea, skim milk or with a light meal such as dry toast or corn flakes.
The capsules should be swallowed whole. Do not break or open or crush or chew them.
The dosage of Crixivan vary among individuals and the diseases being treated. It is obviously to inquire your medical practitioner before to take this drug. Follow your physician instructions strictly.
What should you do if you miss a dose of Crixivan?
If you forget to take a dose of Crixivan, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double-up the dose to catch up.
What should you do if you overdose of Crixivan?
Any drug taken large doses can have serious consequences. If you are overdosed visit your physician instantly.
Overdose of Crixivan may cause flank pain or vomiting or diarrhea or nausea orbloody urine.
What drug(s) may interact with Crixivan?
- Atorvastatin
- Carbamazepine
- Clarithromycin
- Cyclosporine
- Dexamethasone
- Fluticasone
- Lidocaine
- Medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
- Medicines for erectile dysfunction
- Medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole
- Medicines for blood pressure like amlodipine, felodipine, nifedipine
- Other medicines for HIV
- Phenytoin
- Phenobarbital
- Quinidine
- Rifabutin
- Sirolimus
- Tacrolimus
This is not a finished list of interactions. Detail information you may receive at your medic.
Consult medical practitioner about the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
What side-effects may occur?
- Allergic reaction ( hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your lips or tongue or throat or face; itching; skin rash or swelling)
- Problems with breathing, chest pain, shortness of breath
- Fever, chills, sore throat
- Nausea, vomiting
- Numbness, tingling in your hands or feet (tremor), muscle stiffness, or spasms
- Difficulty urinating (urinary retention), dark urine, blood in the urine
- Headache, dizziness, ringing in your ears or hearing loss
- Indigestion, or upset stomach, bloating, stomach gas, pain or cramps
- Redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth, pale skin
- Fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Fatigue, faintness
- Liver problems, yellowing eyes, skin
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Weight gain around waist, back, or thinning of face, arms, legs
- Loss of appetite
- Pain in the lower back or side
If these persist or worsen, tell your doctor instantly. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. If you feel other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
How should Crixivan be stored?
Crixivan should be stored at room temperature, between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F), in a tightly closed container. Protect from moisture, direct heat, and light. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink. Keep Crixivan out of the reach of children and away from pets.