Indinavir Sulphate

It is an inhibitor of the enzyme human immunodeficiency virus protease which is required for the proteolytic cleavage of the viral polyprotein precursors into the individual functional proteins found in infectious HIV.

Indications

Treatment of HIV infection in combination with antiretroviral agents.

Dosage

Six 200mg capsules orally, three times a day (1200mg tid) should be taken with a meal or up to 2 hours after a meal. When used in combination with nucleoside analogues, the dosage of Saquinavir should not be reduced as this will lead to greater than dose proportional decreases in saguinavir plasma levels.

Contra-Indications

Hypersensitivity.

Special Precautions

If a serious or severe toxicity occurs discontinue until the etiology of the event is identified or the toxicity resolves, Hepatic Insufficiency, Hemophilia. Saquinavir should only be used during pregnancy after taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. Safety and effectiveness of Saquinavir in HIV-infected pediatric patients younger than 16 years of age have not been established. New onset diabetes mellitus, exacerbation of pre-existing diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia have been reported.

Side Effects

Mouth dry, night sweats, sweating increased, allergic reaction, anorexia, appetite decreased, appetite disturbances, asthenia, chest pain, edema, fever, olfactory disorder, pain body, pain pelvic, retrosternal pain, shivering, weakness, ataxia, confusion, convulsions, dizziness, acne, alopecia, chalazion, dermatitis, dehydration, diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, abdominal distention, bowel movements frequent, buccal mucosa, ulceration, agitation, amnesia, anxiety attack, behavior disturbances.

Drug Interactions

Astemizole, terfenadine, ergot derivatives, cisapride, midazolam, triazolam, nevirapine, rifabutin, rifampin, clarithromycin, delaviradine, ketoconazole, Indinavir, ritonavir, nelfinavir.