Didanosine
About
Didanosine is an antiretroviral medicine used to treat HIV infection in children. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retroviral infection that attacks and damages the cells of the immune system. This weakens the ability to fight against infections and diseases. If this condition is left untreated, it can lead to Acquired Immuno Deficiency Virus (AIDS). Symptoms of HIV include fever, chills, night sweats, muscle aches, etc.
Didanosine contains Didanosine, which belongs to the class of protease nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). It works by inhibiting the nucleoside reverse transcriptase enzymes that are necessary for the virus's DNA reproduction. This causes inhibition of viral replication and thereby prevents further spread of infection.
Didanosine may cause certain side effects in your children, such as nausea, headache, stomach pain, loss of appetite, vomiting, depression, fever, tiredness, back pain, blood in urine, diarrhea, muscle pain, dizziness, and allergic reactions. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, please consult your paediatrician. Didanosine should be taken as advised by your child's doctor. The doctor will decide the dose of the medicine based on your child's health condition. Do not take more than the recommended dose.
Didanosine should be avoided if your child is allergic to it. It is advised not to take this medicine along with zidovudine, Lamivudine, antacids, etc., as it can cause serious side effects. Hence, avoid giving Didanosine along with these medicines. Inform your doctor if your child has any cardiovascular conditions, liver/kidney disease, pancreatitis, lactic Acidosis, peripheral nephropathy, and optic neuritis on priority. Didanosine is used to treat the infection but does not cure or prevent it. This medicine is used in combination for the treatment of HIV infection.
Uses of Didanosine
Medicinal Benefits
Didanosine contains Didanosine, which belongs to the class of protease nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). It works by inhibiting the nucleoside reverse transcriptase enzymes that are necessary for the virus's DNA reproduction. This causes inhibition of viral replication and thereby prevents further spread of infection. Didanosine is used in combination with other antiretroviral medicines to help reduce the symptoms, control the infection, and prevent opportunistic infections effectively. It also helps in improving the quality of life of a patient with HIV.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Didanosine
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Back pain
- Blood in urine
- Loss of appetite
- Tiredness
- Depression
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Didanosine should be avoided if your child is allergic to it. It is advised not to take this medicine along with zidovudine, Lamivudine, antacids, etc., as it can cause serious side effects. Hence, avoid giving Didanosine along with these medicines. Inform your doctor if your child has any cardiovascular conditions, liver/kidney disease, pancreatitis, lactic Acidosis, peripheral nephropathy, and optic neuritis on priority. Didanosine is used to treat the infection but does not cure or prevent it. This medicine is used in combination for the treatment of HIV infection.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Didanosine may interact with gastrointestinal medicine (cisapride), immunosuppressants (cyclosporin, sirolimus, tacrolimus), antibiotics (clarithromycin), antacids, quinolone antibiotics (moxifloxacin, gatifloxacin, ofloxacin) etc.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interaction found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if your child has cardiac problems, pancreatitis, Lactic Acidosis, peripheral nephropathy, and optic neuritis before starting treatment with Didanosine.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
not applicable-
Pregnancy
not applicable-
Breast Feeding
not applicable-
Driving
not applicable-
Liver
cautionDidanosine should be used with caution in patients with liver impairment. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your child's condition.
Kidney
cautionDidanosine should be used with caution in children with kidney impairment. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your child's condition.
Children
safe if prescribedDidanosine should be given as prescribed by the paediatrician. The dose of the medicine will be decided by your child's doctor based on the type of the condition.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Try to make your child eat vitamin and nutrient-rich food such as vegetables and fruit as it helps to boost your immune system. Try to take lean protein and whole grains.
- Give low-fat foods to your child, and avoid spicy or oily foods if you notice nausea or vomiting in the child.
- Avoid using needles, other injection or drug equipment.
- Make your child drink more fluids and avoid alcoholic beverages to prevent dehydration.
Special Advise
- Get an HIV test done for your child at least every three months.
- Regular kidney and liver function and bone mineral density tests while taking Didanosine are advised.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
HIV Infection: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retroviral infection that attacks and damages the cells of the immune system. This weakens the ability to fight against infections and diseases. If this condition is left untreated, it can lead to Acquired Immuno Deficiency Virus (AIDS). Symptoms of HIV include headache, fever, chills, joint pain, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, mouth nodes, muscle aches, etc. Didanosine helps reduce the symptoms, control the infection, and also helps improve the HIV patient’s quality of life.
FAQs
Didanosine contains Didanosine, which works by inhibiting the nucleoside reverse transcriptase enzymes that are necessary for the virus's DNA reproduction. This causes inhibition of viral replication and thereby prevents further spread of infection.
No, completing the entire treatment course prescribed by the paediatrician is always recommended. Sudden discontinuation of the medicine can lead to serious side effects. Your doctor will decide whether to stop the medication or not.
Didanosine doesn’t cure HIV infection. However, it helps to control the disease and prevent opportunistic infections.
