Indinavir Nephropathy

Abstract

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) encodes a protease needed for the production of infectious virions. Current therapeutic strategies employ new types of inhibitors of this protease.¹ Their side effects are relatively minor, and the drugs have not been considered directly nephrotoxic. Indinavir differs from the other protease inhibitors in that a serious adverse effect, the occurrence of kidney stones, has been noted.² We describe a patient in whom direct nephrotoxic effects of indinavir appeared to develop.