How indinavir works in the treatment of HIV infections

 Indinavir

Indinavir is an antiviral drug and an HIV protease inhibitor. Indinavir is used in the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus infections. It is a white to off-white crystalline powder. It is a synthetic hydroxy aminopentane amide agent. The molecular weight of Indinavir is 613.7 gm/mol and the melting point is 167-168⁰c. It is also known as Grixivan.

■Structure:-

The molecular formula of indinavir is,

                                                     [C36H47N5O4].

The IUPAC name of indinavir is, 

(2S)-1-[(2S,4R)-4-benzyl-2-hydroxy-5-{{(1S,2R)-2-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1-inden-1-yl}amino}-5-oxopentyl]-N-tert-butyl-4-(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)piperazine-2-carboxamide.

■Mechanism of action:-

This drug works by preventing the cleavage process of gag-pol polyproteins by inhibiting the viral protease enzyme, resulting in immature, noninfectious viral particles. 

■Dosage:-

For treating HIV infections, indinavir is taken with ritonavir, in which the initial indinavir dose is 800mg and the initial ritonavir dose is 100-200mg. It is taken twice daily in a gap of every 12 hours.

■Uses:-

Along with other anti-HIV drugs indinavir is used to treat Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus. 

■Side-effects:-

The overdose of indinavir shows several Side-effects like, hemolytic anemia, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney stones, fatigue, lipodystrophy, hyperglycemia, etc.

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