Renal toxicity of protease inhibitors

Introduction of several classes of antiviral agents for the treatment of immunodeficiency virus has led to increased survival and improved quality of life for patients with HIV infection. Protease inhibitors have become the mainstays of current therapy in patient with AIDS. Renal intolerance of indinavir is a rare but important complication in HIV positive patients. The renal function of patients receiving indinavir should be closely monitored. Benign and asymptomatic crystalluria occurs in 4-13% of HIV positive patients. Several cases of acute renal failure, renal atrophy and interstitial nephritis have also been reported. A hydration protocol consisting of one to two liters of fluid should be initiated three hours after each indinavir dose. If significant renal insufficiency persists, temporary indinavir withdrawal or switching to another protease inhibitor should be considered.