Didanosine

It is a synthetic purine nucleoside analogue of the naturally occurring nucleoside dexoyadenosine.

Indications

Treatment of HIV infections when antiretroviral therapy is needed.

Dosage

Adults : Dosing interval should be 12 hours. Didanosine should be given 30 min. before or 2 hours after food. Starting dose : wt ³ 60 kg : 200mg twice a day, wt £ 60 kg : 125mg twice a day.

Contra-Indications

Hypersensitivity to any component.

Special Precautions

Patients with hepatic impairment.

Side Effects

Pancreatitis (has been fatal in some cases). Lactic acidosis/severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, impaired renal function; retinal and visual changes; hyperuricemia, impaired hepatic function.

Drug Interactions

Coadministration of didanosine with drugs that are known to cause pancreatitis may increase the risk of pancreatitis. Allopurinol : AUC of didanosine increased. Antacids : Coadministration with antacids containing magnesium or aluminium may potentiate adverse events associated with antacids components. Ketoconazole/itraconazole : Should be given at least 2 hours prior to didanosine. Ganciclovir : May increase steady state AUC of didanosine. Quinolones : Didanosine should be given 2 hrs. after or