Children

The recommended dose of indinavir (Crixivan) in children aged four to 17 years is 500mg/m2, up to a maximum of 800mg three times a day.1 Indinavir has not been studied in children under four years of age .

As in adults, adequate hydration is important in children. Children weighing less than 20kg should drink at least 75ml/kg, and those over 20kg should drink at least 50ml/kg daily.

Several small studies of indinavir in HIV-infected children have been published, which suggest that indinavir has reasonable efficacy in children but causes kidney side-effects in up to half of the children tested.2 3 4 5 Younger children are especially prone to these side-effects, as are those with a family history of kidney stones.

Indinavir’s manufacturer has been attempting to develop a liquid suspension of indinavir for several years.6 Currently, a lemon-flavoured syrup is being tested for use in children.

Ritonavir-boosted indinavir has been tested in 24 children, with four developing kidney side-effects. Adherence due to pill burden and palatability remained a key problem but the investigators managed to achieve appropriate drug levels.7

References

  1. Burger DM et al. Pharmacokinetics of the protease inhibitor indinavir in human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected children. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 45: 701-705, 2001
  2. Kline MW et al. A pilot study of combination therapy with indinavir, stavudine (d4T), and didanosine (ddI) in children infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. J Pediatr 132: 543-546, 1998
  3. Mueller BU et al. A phase I / II study of the protease inhibitor indinavir in children with HIV infection. Pediatrics 102: 101-109, 1998
  4. van Rossum AM et al. Results of 2 years of treatment with protease-inhibitor-containing antiretroviral therapy in Dutch children infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1. Clin Infect Dis 34: 1008-1016, 2002
  5. Wintergerst U et al. Comparison of two antiretroviral triple combinations including the protease inhibitor indinavir in children infected with human immunodeficiency virus. Pediatr Infect Dis J 17: 495-499, 2000
  6. Hugen P et al. Development of an indinavir oral liquid for children. Am J Health Syst Pharm 57: 1332-1339, 2000
  7. Chadwick EG et al. Antiviral activity, tolerance and pharmacokinetics of indinavir with two doses of ritonavir as salvage therapy in children. Tenth Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, Boston, abstract 875, 2003
Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.