Crixivan: Uses, Dosage, Demographics, Side Effects, Interactions, and Generic Options Crixivan, also known as indinavir sulfate, is an antiviral medication that belongs to a class of drugs called protease inhibitors. It is used in combination with other antiviral medications to treat HIV/AIDS. Crixivan works by inhibiting the HIV protease enzyme, which is essential for the virus to replicate. Uses Crixivan is indicated for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and in children over 3 years old. It is used in combination with other antiviral medications as part of a highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimen. Crixivan can reduce the amount of HIV in the blood and improve the immune system's ability to fight the virus. Dosage Crixivan is available in capsule form, with each capsule containing 400mg of indinavir sulfate. The recommended adult dosage is 800mg (two capsules) every 8 hours, taken with a full glass of water. Crixivan should be taken on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. The dosage for children is based on body weight. The recommended dosage for children over 3 years old is 500mg/m2 of body surface area, every 8 hours. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 2,400mg. Demographics Crixivan is approved for use in adults and children over 3 years old. However, it may not be suitable for everyone. People who have severe liver or kidney problems may not be able to take Crixivan. Pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding should consult their doctor before taking this medication. Side Effects Like all medications, Crixivan can cause side effects. The most common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, stomach pain, and fatigue. These side effects usually occur during the first few weeks of treatment and may improve as the body adjusts to the medication. Crixivan can also cause more serious side effects, such as kidney stones, high blood sugar levels, liver problems, and an increased risk of bleeding in people with hemophilia. Rarely, Crixivan can cause a severe skin rash, which can be life-threatening. Interactions Crixivan can interact with other medications, including some over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. Drugs that can interact with Crixivan include rifampin, St. John's wort, clarithromycin, erythromycin, and antifungal medications such as ketoconazole and itraconazole. Crixivan can also interact with some heart medications, including amiodarone, digoxin, and nifedipine. These interactions can cause increased or decreased levels of the medication in the blood, which can lead to side effects or reduced effectiveness. Generic Options Crixivan is a brand-name medication and may be expensive. There are generic options available that contain the same active ingredient as Crixivan (indinavir sulfate). Generic versions of Crixivan are generally cheaper and can be used as a substitute for the brand-name medication. Conclusion Crixivan is a protease inhibitor used in combination with other antiviral medications to treat HIV/AIDS. It works by inhibiting the HIV protease enzyme, which is necessary for the virus to replicate. Crixivan can cause side effects, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, and fatigue. It can also interact with other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. Generic versions of Crixivan are available and may be a cost-effective alternative to the brand-name medication. If you have HIV/AIDS, speak to your doctor about whether Crixivan is right for you.