didanosine
(DDI)

Drug type:

• Family of NRTI - (nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase
  inhibitor antiretroviral agent )

Important prescribing information

• Didanosine is generally well-tolerated. The most common adverse effect is nausea.
• Didanosine has been associated with pancreatitis, which can be severe. It should not be prescribed to patients who abuse alcohol, and should be discontinued if pancreatitis is suspected.
• Didanosine can also cause peripheral neuropathy, particuiarly when prescribed with stavudine (d4T).
• As with all nucleoside analogs, didanosine has been associated with lactic acidosis and hepatic steatosis, although the syndrome is more commoniy seen with stavudine (d4T). Lactic acidosis is rare, but should be considered in patients presenting with fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and/or unexplained shortness of breath.
  

Contraindications:

• Severe renal insufficiency (creatinine > 3 times normal)
• Severe hepatic insufficiency (LFTs > 5 times normal)
• Intolerance or history of previous intolerance
• Use of combination of didanosine and stavudine (d4T) during pregnancy only when necessary and then with caution
• Do not use didanosine in patients with active alcohol abuse or history of pancreatitis

Usual dose:

• For patients > 60 kg, two 200-mg pills once daily.
• For patients < 60 kg, one 250-mg pill once daily.
• Take on empty stomach (one hour before or two
  hours alter eating)