Indinavir Sulfate
Pronunciation: (in-DIN-uh-veer).
- Generic name
- Indinavir sulfate
- Brand names
- Crixivan, Indiviral, Indivanil, Indivan
- Drug class
- Infectious & Communicable Diseases
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country:
Australia: · Full directory
What Indinavir sulfate is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Indinavir sulfate works
Indinavir is a selective, competitive inhibitor of the HIV-1 and HIV-2 protease enzyme. By binding to the active site of the protease, it prevents the cleavage of viral polyprotein precursors, resulting in the production of immature, non-infectious viral particles. This inhibition reduces viral replication and lowers plasma HIV RNA levels. (1)
What Indinavir sulfate is used for
HIV-1 infection
HIV-1 infection
AIDS
AIDS
Before taking Indinavir sulfate
Do not take / not appropriate for
- hypersensitivity to indinavir or its components, and concurrent use with drugs highly dependent on CYP3A4 for clearance (e.g., midazolam, triazolam, ergot derivatives, cisapride, pimozide, St. (Contraindication)
- John's wort). (Contraindication)
Tell your clinician about
How to take Indinavir sulfate
- General Instructions: Take indinavir exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, usually every 8 hours. It is important to take the medication at evenly spaced intervals to maintain consistent drug levels.. Adult Dosing: The typical adult dose is 800 mg orally every 8 hours, taken without food or with a light, low-fat meal. Adequate hydration (at least 1.5 liters of fluid per day) is recommended to reduce the risk of kidney stones.. Pediatric Dosing: Pediatric dosing is weight-based and should be determined by a pediatric HIV specialist. Dosing adjustments may be necessary based on age, weight, and concurrent medications.. Administration: Swallow capsules whole with water. Take on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal), or with a light meal if stomach upset occurs. Maintain good hydration.. When To Stop: Do not stop taking indinavir without consulting your healthcare provider, even if you feel well. Stopping suddenly may cause the virus to become resistant.. Storage: Store at room temperature (20–25°C/68–77°F), away from moisture and heat. Keep capsules in the original container with the desiccant to protect from moisture.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take an extra dose to catch up.
Overdose
In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center immediately. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, back pain, and kidney stones. Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment.
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Vomiting
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Diarrhea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Kidney stones
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Increased bilirubin
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Lipodystrophy
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Rash
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
REGULATORY STATUS (ADDED) — serious
Symptoms: REGULATORY STATUS (ADDED): indinavir (Crixivan) has been discontinued in the United States and is no longer recommended by current HIV treatment guidelines because of a high pill burden, food-timing restrictions, and toxicities such as kidney stones, relative to newer antiretroviral options. Anyone whose care involves indinavir should discuss current, guideline-recommended alternatives with an HIV specialist.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated.
May cause kidney stones — serious
Symptoms: May cause kidney stones; maintain adequate hydration (at least 48 oz / 1.5 L of fluid per day) and report blood in the urine or sharp back pain to a clinician promptly. Can increase bilirubin levels, leading to jaundice. May interact with many other medications, including alfuzosin, alprazolam, amiodarone, lovastatin, simvastatin, rifampin, and St. John's wort. Risk of hyperglycemia and new-onset diabetes. Not a cure for HIV; continue safe practices to prevent transmission.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated.
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindications include hypersensitivity to indinavir or its components, and concurrent use with drugs highly dependent on CYP3A4 for clearance (e.g., midazolam, triazolam, ergot derivatives, cisapride, pimozide, St. John's wort). Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment, history of nephrolithiasis, or diabetes mellitus. Monitor for hyperbilirubinemia and hepatic dysfunction.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated.
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Indinavir is metabolized by CYP3A4 and has significant drug-drug interactions. Avoid concurrent use with drugs that are potent CYP3A4 inducers or inhibitors. Indinavir may increase or decrease the levels of other antiretrovirals, anticoagulants, antiarrhythmics, and sedatives. Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
The FDA-approved prescribing information does not assign a traditional pregnancy letter category; it states indinavir should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, and notes that clinical studies found substantially lower drug exposure in pregnant patients (antepartum), which is a specific reason clinicians generally avoid indinavir in pregnancy today. Any use during pregnancy is a decision for the clinician managing HIV treatment in pregnancy, weighing potential benefits against potential risks.
Breastfeeding
Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before using indinavir while breastfeeding — this is a decision for the clinician managing your care, not a general recommendation for or against use.
Children
Frequency: Not recommended for pediatric use. Weight Based: Not established for pediatric use. Max Daily Dose: Not recommended for pediatric use. Max Single Dose: Not recommended for pediatric use. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children
Renal Impairment
Renal impairment: the FDA-approved label states indinavir pharmacokinetics have not been studied in renal insufficiency, so no dose adjustment is specified; adequate hydration is advised to reduce kidney-stone risk. Hepatic impairment: the label gives a specific adjustment for the prescriber to apply — in mild-to-moderate hepatic insufficiency due to cirrhosis, the prescribed dose is lowered to 600 mg every 8 hours (from the standard 800 mg every 8 hours), because decreased metabolism increased mean drug exposure by about 60% in that population; indinavir has not been studied in severe hepatic insufficiency, and any change to this dose must be made by the prescriber, not the patient.
Hepatic Impairment
Renal impairment: the FDA-approved label states indinavir pharmacokinetics have not been studied in renal insufficiency, so no dose adjustment is specified; adequate hydration is advised to reduce kidney-stone risk. Hepatic impairment: the label gives a specific adjustment for the prescriber to apply — in mild-to-moderate hepatic insufficiency due to cirrhosis, the prescribed dose is lowered to 600 mg every 8 hours (from the standard 800 mg every 8 hours), because decreased metabolism increased mean drug exposure by about 60% in that population; indinavir has not been studied in severe hepatic insufficiency, and any change to this dose must be made by the prescriber, not the patient.
Monitoring
Storage
Store at room temperature (20-25°C/68-77°F), away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep capsules in the original container with the desiccant packet in place — indinavir capsules are very moisture-sensitive.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General (historical/legacy dosing — indinavir is discontinued in the US and no longer guideline-recommended; see serious warnings)
Indication: HIV-1 infection (historical use, as part of combination antiretroviral therapy)
Dose summary: 800 mg orally every 8 hours (historical unboosted regimen). Provided for reference regarding legacy prescriptions only, not as current treatment guidance.
Renal context: The FDA-approved Crixivan (indinavir) prescribing information states that indinavir pharmacokinetics have not been studied in patients with renal insufficiency, so no specific renal dose adjustment is provided; patients should maintain adequate hydration (about 1.5 L / six 8-oz glasses of fluid daily) to reduce the risk of indinavir-associated kidney stones. For hepatic impairment, the same label gives a specific adjustment: in patients with mild-to-moderate hepatic insufficiency due to cirrhosis, the dose should be reduced to 600 mg every 8 hours (from the standard 800 mg every 8 hours); pharmacokinetics have not been studied in severe hepatic insufficiency. (1) (2) (3)
Frequently asked questions
What is indinavir used for?
Indinavir is used in combination with other antiretroviral medications to treat HIV infection. It helps reduce the amount of HIV in the body and improves immune function, but it does not cure HIV or AIDS.
How should I take indinavir?
Take indinavir exactly as prescribed, usually every 8 hours on an empty stomach or with a light meal. Drink plenty of fluids to reduce the risk of kidney stones.
What are the most common side effects?
Common side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, headache, diarrhea, fatigue, and mild jaundice. Kidney stones can also occur.
Can indinavir be taken during pregnancy?
Indinavir should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed and prescribed by a healthcare provider. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Do not take an extra dose to make up for it.
Are there any foods or drinks I should avoid?
Avoid high-fat meals, as they can reduce absorption. Maintain good hydration and avoid alcohol to reduce the risk of liver and kidney problems.
Can indinavir cure HIV?
No, indinavir does not cure HIV. It helps control the virus and improve immune function when used as part of combination therapy.
What happens if I take too much Indinavir?
Taking too much Indinavir can lead to an overdose, potentially causing severe side effects such as kidney problems, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. If you suspect an overdose, it is crucial to seek immediate emergency medical attention. Do not attempt to self-treat or wait for symptoms to worsen.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Indinavir?
It is generally advisable to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Indinavir. Alcohol can increase the risk of certain side effects, particularly liver-related issues, which can be exacerbated by protease inhibitors. Discuss your alcohol intake with your healthcare provider to understand the specific risks and recommendations for your situation.
Is Indinavir safe during pregnancy?
Indinavir's safety during pregnancy falls under a category that requires careful consideration. It is essential to consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your healthcare provider will weigh the potential benefits against the risks to both you and your baby, and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
What is the mechanism of action of Indinavir sulfate?
Indinavir is a selective, competitive inhibitor of the HIV-1 and HIV-2 protease enzyme. By binding to the active site of the protease, it prevents the cleavage of viral polyprotein precursors, resulting in the production of immature, non-infectious viral particles. This inhibition reduces viral replication and lowers plasma HIV RNA levels. (1)
What is the generic name of Indinavir Sulfate?
The generic name is Indinavir sulfate. It is sold under brand names including Crixivan, Indiviral, Indivanil, Indivan.
What class of drug is Indinavir sulfate?
Indinavir Sulfate is classed as: Infectious & Communicable Diseases.
References
- Indinavir Medicine RecordMedGuideGlobal internal clinician-authored medicine record · Global (no specific regulator affiliation) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- Indinavir Consumer Medicine GuideDrugs.com (Medscape corroboration for discontinuation) · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- Crixivan (indinavir sulfate) Prescribing InformationU.S. Food and Drug Administration (via Drugs.com archived label) · United States · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 3
- CRIXIVAN (INDINAVIR SULFATE) CAPSULE [STAT RX USA LLC] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Indinavir — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- Indinavir — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 114289)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Indinavir sulfate names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.