Reduced Viagra Dose Recommended With Crixivan
Viagra has become the fastest selling prescription drug in the US, for better or worse. It has found a following among HIV-positive men, who often experience reduced libido as a result of the HIV itself and of the meds they take. However, recent research indicates that dosage amounts need to be carefully considered to avoid an adverse drug interaction.The clearance of Viagra through the system appears to be slowed in people who take Crixivan (indinavir), the most common protease inhibitor, as they are both metabolized in the same liver pathway. Crixivan’s inhibition of Viagra could cause a dose-related toxicity of the latter. Instead of the standard 25mg dose of Viagra, the research suggests a lower dose of 12.5mg may be more appropriate to avoid this possible toxicity.
As the holiday season dawns, heightened socializing may lead to more opportunities for “Viagra assistance.” If so, dose carefully – and always play safe!
For details, see the journal AIDS (Nov ’99).
This article appears in November 26 • 1999.