An Overview of Videx (Didanosine, ddI)

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Brand Name:

Videx EC, Videx
Other Name(s): BMY 40900, BRN 3619529, CCRIS 805, Didanosina, Dideoxyinosine, HSDB 6548, ddI

Drug Class: Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors

Didanosine, also known as ddI or Videx, is a type of antiretroviral drug called a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). NRTIs block reverse transcriptase, a protein that HIV needs to make more copies of itself.

Indications and Usage

Didanosine was approved by the FDA on October 9, 1991, and enteric-coated didanosine was approved by the FDA on October 31, 2000. Both were approved for use with other antiretrovirals in the treatment of HIV infection in adults and children. Generic didanosine was approved by the FDA on December 3, 2004. This medicine does not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS and does not reduce the risk of passing the virus to other people.Because of a decline in clinical demand for the buffered tablet formulation of Videx, this formulation was discontinued in the United States by the manufacturer in February 2006.

Dosage Form/Administration

Didanosine comes in chewable tablet, enteric-coated capsule, liquid, and powder form. Didanosine is taken by mouth without food. The powder form of didanosine must be added to water before it is swallowed. Didanosine should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after eating. The tablet, liquid, and powder forms of didanosine contain an antacid "buffer" to keep stomach acid from breaking the medicine too soon. The capsule form does not include a buffer and contains small, coated beads that pass through the stomach and then dissolve to release the medicine.

Recommended Daily Dose

The recommended adult dose of didanosine depends on the form of didanosine and the individual's weight. For individuals weighing 132 pounds or more, the recommended doses are 200 mg twice a day (tablets), 250 mg twice a day (buffered powder), or 400 mg once a day (enteric-coated capsules). For adults weighing less than 132 pounds, the recommended doses are 125 mg twice a day (tablets), 167 mg twice a day (buffered powder), or 250 mg once a day (enteric-coated capsules). The recommended dose of didanosine for children varies with age and weight.Some individuals may benefit from different doses of didanosine. The recommended dose of didanosine may be different for individuals with decreased kidney function. Individuals should always take didanosine as prescribed by their doctors.

Contraindications

Individuals should tell a doctor about any medical problems before taking this medicine. Individuals who have liver or kidney disease, inflammation of the pancreas, or gout should tell a doctor before taking this medicine.

Possible Side Effects

Along with its desired effects, didanosine can cause some serious unwanted effects. Serious side effects of this medicine include inflammation of the pancreas, with symptoms of severe stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting; enlarged liver or lactic acidosis, with symptoms of feeling tired or weak, stomach discomfort, feeling cold, dizzy, or lightheaded, and slow or irregular heartbeat; nerve problems, with symptoms of pain or tingling in hands or feet; vision problems such as blurred vision; or slowing of blood flow in the major vein of the liver, which could cause increased blood pressure in certain veins of the digestive system and internal bleeding. Individuals should tell a doctor if they have any of these side effects. Other side effects may not be serious and may lessen or disappear with continued use of the medicine. Less serious side effects of this medicine include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, anxiety, sleep problems, and skin rash. Individuals should tell a doctor if these side effects continue or are bothersome.

Drug Interactions

A doctor should be notified of any other medications being taken, including prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter), or herbal medications.

Clinical Trials

Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Didanosine.

Manufacturer Information

Didanosine
Barr Laboratories Inc
2 Quaker Rd / PO Box D-2900
Pomona, NY 10970
Phone: 800-227-7522
Fax: 914-353-3843

Videx

Bristol - Myers Squibb Co
PO Box 4500
Princeton, NJ 08543-4500
Phone: 800-321-1335

Videx EC

Bristol - Myers Squibb Co
PO Box 4500
Princeton, NJ 08543-4500
Phone: 800-321-1335