Didanosine is the active ingredient present in the composition of Videx with other inactive ingredients. Videx [Didanosine] comes in a form of oral solution. It is a type of drugs known as Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs). It is used to treat HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). HIV virus firstly converts its genetic material from RNA to DNA. It is DNA which helps this virus to multiply. It converts RNA to DNA by using reverse transcriptase enzyme. To create DNA this enzyme uses several protein building blocks. Videx [Didanosine] works by blocking the action of the enzyme and inhibits in the process of conversion from RNA to DNA. Without DNA, virus cannot multiply and this way it stops virus from multiplying.
How to use
For adults the recommended dosage of Videx [Didanosine] is twice daily and once daily is considered whose management requires once daily dosing of Videx [Didanosine].
Recommended dose for adults weighing 60kg and above is 200mg twice daily and for once daily dosing it is 400mg once a day.
Recommended dose for adults weighing less than 60kg is 125mg twice daily and for once daily dosing it is 250mg once a day.
Recommended dose for pediatric patients from 2 weeks old to 8 months old is 100mg/m2 twice daily and the recommended dose for pediatric patients from 8 months old and above is 120mg/m2 twice daily but should not exceed the adult recommended dose.
Didanosine is broken down by stomach acid. To prevent breakdown, each formulation contains a buffer (antacid). In order to achieve adequate buffering each adult or pediatric dose should contain two tablets of didanosine. Children less than one year of age can achieve adequate buffering with one tablet.
Pediatric doses are based on body surface area according to the following schedule. If body surface area is 1.1-1.4 m2, 100 mg as tablets twice daily or 12.5 ml twice daily of the pediatric solution should be administered. Children with a body surface area 0.8-1 m2 should receive 75 mg of the tablets twice daily or 9.5 ml twice daily of the pediatric solution. A body surface area of 0.5-0.7 m2 corresponds to 50 mg as tablets twice daily or 6 ml of the pediatric solution twice daily. If the body surface area is less than 0.4 m2, the recommended dose is 25 mg as tablets twice daily or 3 ml of the pediatric solution twice daily.
Didanosine should be administered on an empty stomach because food reduces the absorption of didanosine by as much as 50%. Videx ED is a long-acting formulation of didanosine. Adults should receive 250-400 mg once daily on an empty stomach. Capsule should be swallowed intact. Videx EC causes less stomach irritation than regular didanosine (Videx).
Side Effects
The most common side effects indicated by using Videx [Didanosine] medication are diarrhea, unusual sensations like burning, tingling and numbness; and abdominal pain.
Other side effects reported are symptoms of inflammation of pancreas, such as nausea, vomiting, fever, swollen abdomen, tachycardia and rapid breathing; symptoms of lactic acidosis such as feeling weak or tired, muscle pain, trouble breathing, feeling cold, dizziness, irregular heartbeats, lightheadedness, stomach pain, shortness of breath, enlarged liver and weight loss; signs of liver damage such as yellowing of eyes, jaundice and stomach pain; changes of distribution of fat in the body, change of vision and signs of allergic reactions such as unexplained rash and swelling, hives, itching, wheezing, difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Drug Interaction
Certain drugs when taken concurrently with Videx [Didanosine] may increase the level of didanosine and thereby increase the risk of its side effects. Drugs which interact are allopurinol, alcohol, antacids with aluminum and magnesium, ganciclovir, ribavirin, tenofovir and valganciclovir.
Videx [Didanosine] when taken concurrently with certain medications, decrease the level of those medications and makes it less effective. Drugs which interact are dapsone, delavirdine, certain antifungal medications, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, indinavir, nelfinavir and tetracycline antibiotics.
Certain drugs when taken concurrently with Videx [Didanosine] may increase the risk of inflammation of pancreas (pancreatitis), which could be very dangerous. Drugs which interact are hydroxyurea and stavudine.
Videx [Didanosine] when taken concurrently with methadone, decrease the level of didanosine and makes it less effective.
Uses
Videx [Didanosine] is used for the treatment of HIV infection for adults and children as young as 2 weeks old. Videx [Didanosine] is not a cure but restricts the growth of infection.
Storage
Videx [Didanosine] should be stored at a temperature between 15o-30oC (59o-86oF). Videx [Didanosine] mixture can be stored up to 30 days at 2o-8oC (36o-46oF).
Precaution
Patients with decreased liver and kidney functions, liver disease, enlarged liver, chronic hepatitis B and C, history of alcohol abuse, high blood uric acid level and pancreatitis should take precautions taking this medication. It is recommended to consult the physician before administering Videx [Didanosine].
Patient allergic to any of the ingredients of Videx [Didanosine] should avoid the medication.
It is highly recommended that women with HIV must not breastfeed their infants.
Pregnant women should be cautious and consult the physician before taking the medication.
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