Didanosine is an inhibitor of the reverse enzyme transcriptase. It acts by reducing the amount of HIV in the blood.
What is Didanosine?
Didanosine is used along with other medications to control HIV infection, reduce the risk of evolving into acquired immunodeficiency syndrome – AIDS, and decrease the probability of the occurrence of serious diseases such as serious infections or tumors.
Sometimes it is used in combination with other drugs to reduce the risk of infection, in people which accidentally come into contact with the virus.
How should Didanosine be taken?
Didanosine can be taken in the form of prolonged-release capsules (to swallow strictly whole) or solution for oral administration. In both cases, the assumption must be made on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after eating.
Typically, the capsule dosage is 1 dose per day, while the solution may have to be taken 1 or 2 times per day.
Side effects associated with Didanosine
Some of the possible adverse effects of Didanosine include the following:
- headache
- diarrhea
- muscle aches
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if its intake is associated with:
- urticaria
- skin rash
- itching
- difficulty breathing
- difficulty swallowing
- numbness, tingling, burning or pain in the hands or feet
- tarnished view
- difficulty seeing colors clearly
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Didanosine
Before taking Didanosine, it is good to tell your doctor about:
- allergy to the active substance, its excipients or other drugs
- medicinal products, herbal remedies and supplements taken, citing in particular allopurinol, ribavirin, antacids, antifungal, atazanvir, delavirdine, indinavir, nelfinavir, antibiotics, ritonavir and tipranavir
- if you suffer (or have suffered) from peripheral neuropathies
- if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
