Didanosine

Also known as: DDI

Drug #1447

Didanosine is an oral antiretroviral agent, active against HIV infection. Didanosine is a synthetic purine derivativeand similar to stavudine, zidovudine, inhibits reverse transcriptase enzyme. Didanosine is used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs in the treatement of HIV infection and AIDS. It was approved in october 1991.

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Primary Characteristics

Didanosine is also known as DDI.

It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Deoxyinosine.

Molecular Weight: 236.2 · pK_a: 9.13 · Solubility in Water: 1 in 40 · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 1 · Non-proprietary name: Didanosine.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Didanosine has an oral bioavailability is 30% (±10%).

Distribution: Didanosine has a volume of distribution is 1.01 l/ kg. plasma protein binding is < 5%.

Elimination: plasma half-life is 1 hr range-0.6-1hr, renal excretion is 35 - 60% (Iv), 11-21%(oral) unchanged.

Indications

Didanosine is primarily indicated in conditions like HIV infection.

Didanosine is also indicated for secondary conditions like HIV encephalopathy, HIV infection in combination with other antiretroviral drugs, Prophylaxis for accidental exposure to HIV.

Contraindications

Didanosine is contraindicated in conditions like Pancreatitis, Renal failure, Peripheral neuropathy, Liver diseases, Hypersensitivity.

Dosage

Didanosine's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
250 mg	250 mg	Every 24h	PO	1-2 Divided dose for under 60 kg.
400 mg	400 mg	Every 12h	PO	1-2 Divided dose for under 60 kg.
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
180 mg/m2	180 mg/m2	—		combination with zidovudine in 1-2 divided dose. older than 6th year of age. As single dose or indiv
240 mg/m2	240 mg/m2	Every 24h		Combination with zidovudine in 1-2 divided doses.
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
No data.

Drug Interactions

Unknown8 interactions

7 interactions

Moderate2 interactions

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Didanosine in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Hepatitis , Pancreatitis , Peripheral neuropathy , Myopathy , Retinotoxicity .

Didanosine is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Abdominal pain, Anorexia , Anxiety, Confusion, Diarrhea, Dry eye, Headache, Hepatic steatosis, Hepatomegaly, Hyperuricemia , Lactic acidosis, Nausea, Rashes , Retinal hyperpigmentation, Vomiting , Xerostomia .

Warnings / Precautions

It should be used with caution in patient with impaired renal or hepatic function. Regular checks of liver function are recommended. If liver function deteriorates during treatment then didanosine should be withdrawn. Childrens and adults should be monitored for retinal lesions and didanosine should be withdrawn if they occur.

Available Brands

Click on a strength to view available brands.

Single Ingredient

Tabs

200 mg

Storage Conditions

Didanosine should be stored Oral Soln (reconstituted) . Pediatric Oral Soln. Powder for Oral Soln. Tab.

Drug Classification

1.6.5.2 — Antiretroviral drugs

Manufacturers

Manufacturers of Didanosine in Pakistan:

A.J.Mirza Hilton