Crixivan (Indinavir Sulfate) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 8, 2012

Crixivan

Human Immunodeficiency Virus »

What is the history of HIV, and when was HIV discovered?

The history of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) dates back to 1981, when homosexual men with symptoms of a disease that now are considered typical of AIDS were first described in Los Angeles and New York. The men had an unusual type of lung infection (pneumonia) called Pneumocystis carinii (now known as Pneumocystis jiroveci) pneumonia (PCP) and rare skin tumors called Kaposi's sarcomas. The patients were noted to have a severe reduction in a type of cell in the blood (CD4 cells) that is an important part of the immune system. These cells, often referred to as T cells, help the body fight infections. Shortly thereafter, this disease was recognized throughout the United States, Western Europe, and Africa. In 1983, researchers in the United States and France described the virus that causes AIDS, now known as HIV, belonging to t...

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Crixivan

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CRIXIVAN®
(indinavir sulfate) Capsules

DRUG DESCRIPTION

CRIXIVAN* (indinavir sulfate) is an inhibitor of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease. CRIXIVAN (indinavir sulfate) Capsules are formulated as a sulfate salt and are available for oral administration in strengths of 100, 200, and 400 mg of indinavir (corresponding to 125, 250, and 500 mg indinavir sulfate, respectively). Each capsule also contains the inactive ingredients anhydrous lactose and magnesium stearate. The capsule shell has the following inactive ingredients and dyes: gelatin, titanium dioxide, silicon dioxide, and sodium lauryl sulfate.

The chemical name for indinavir sulfate is [1(1S,2R),5(S)]-2,3,5-trideoxy-N-(2,3-dihydro-2-hydroxy-1Hinden-1-yl)-5-[2-[[(1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]carbonyl]-4-(3-pyridinylmethyl)-1-piperazinyl]-2(phenylmethyl)-D-erythro-pentonamide sulfate (1:1) salt. Indinavir sulfate has the following structural formula:

CRIXIVAN®
(indinavir sulfate) Structural Formula Illustration

Indinavir sulfate is a white to off-white, hygroscopic, crystalline powder with the molecular formula C₃₆H₄₇N₅O₄ • H₂SO₄ and a molecular weight of 711.88. It is very soluble in water and in methanol.

What are the possible side effects of indinavir (Crixivan)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking indinavir and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;
increased urination or extreme thirst;
pain in your side or lower back, blood...

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What are the precautions when taking indinavir sulfate (Crixivan)?

Before taking indinavir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: high blood fat levels (cholesterol/triglycerides), diabetes, hemophilia, kidney problems (including kidney stones), heart problems (coronary artery disease, heart attack), liver problems.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug,...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 5/17/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.