Didanosine Pharmacology

Didanosine

About Didanosine
Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor, nucleoside analogue of adenosine, A systemic Antiretroviral agent.
Mechanism of Action of Didanosine
Didanosine is a deoxy adenosine nucleoside analogue. Intracellularly it undergoes phosphorylation in the presence of enzymes and finally forms active metabolite Dideoxy adenosine triphosphate. This Dideoxy adenosine triphosphate competitively inhibit HIV reverse transcriptase enzyme which is responsible for the conversion of viral RNA to pro viral DNA and is then added to host cell chromosome. Stavudine triphosphate terminates elongation of pro viral DNA and results in inhibition of viral replication.
Pharmacokinets of Didanosine
Absorption: It is rapidly absorbed after oral administration. Distribution: It is widely distributed in the body .Metabolism: Metabolism is insignificant Excretion: It is excreted in urine.
Onset of Action for Didanosine
30 - 60 minute
Duration of Action for Didanosine
N/A
Half Life of Didanosine
90 minute; Dideoxy adenosine triphosphate: 25 - 40 hour
Side Effects of Didanosine
1.Nausea
2.Vomiting
3.Diarrhoea
4.Anorexia
5. Peripheral neuropathy
6.Pancreatitis
7.Elevated hepatic liver enzyme
8.Hyperuricemia
9 Hepatic steatosis
10.Headache
11 Anaemia
12 Myalgia
13.Rash
14.Dizziness
15.Fever
16.Pruritis
17.Thrombocytopenia
18.Leucopenia
Contra-indications of Didanosine
Hypersensitivity to Didanosine
Special Precautions while taking Didanosine
1.Peripheral neuropathy
2.Renal impairment
3.Hepatic dysfunction
4.Pancreatitis


Pregnancy Related Information
Use with caution
Old Age Related Information
May be used.
Breast Feeding Related Information
Use with caution
Children Related Information
Use with caution
NEONATES: contraindicated
Indications for Didanosine
HIV infections
Interactions for Didanosine
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 antacid 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 hours after or 6 hours before ciprofloxacin.

Typical Dosage for Didanosine
Adult: 250 - 400 mg / day
Patient weighing 60 kg or more: 400 mg / day in single or 2 divided dose.
Patient weighing < 60 kg: 250 mg / day in single or 2 divided dose.
Children: 120 mg/sq.metre two times daily
Schedule of Didanosine
H
Storage Requirements for Didanosine
Store it at 15 -25 degree C in a tightly closed container .Protect away from heat and light
Effects of Missed Dosage of Didanosine
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time to take the next dose then skip the missed dose and do not double the dose
Effects of Overdose of Didanosine
Give supportive measures and treatment.

Home Delivery for Didanosine in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including didanosine.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for didanosine and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for didanosine may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take didanosine only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for didanosine before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for didanosine with the pharmacy.

Didanosine is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for didanosine might be better known than didanosine itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have didanosine in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for didanosine.