Didanosine

Dosage Forms Available

• Didanosine is available for oral administration.

• It comes in delayed-release capsules and pediatric powder which is reconstituted to form an oral solution.

Age and Dose Restrictions

• Didanosine is suitable for use by both adults and children. The oral solution particularly caters to pediatric patients.

Contraindications

• Didanosine is contraindicated for individuals with a known hypersensitivity to any components of the formulation.

• It should not be used by patients who have had pancreatitis during previous therapy with didanosine or those with a history of lactic acidosis.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Didanosine can interact with antiretroviral medications (such as tenofovir, zidovudine), blood pressure lowering medicines (such as enalapril, losartan), and medications affecting gastrointestinal pH (such as antacids, omeprazole). It may also interact with antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, tetracycline) and antifungals (such as ketoconazole, fluconazole).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• An overdose of didanosine may lead to complications such as peripheral neuropathy or pancreatitis. If an overdose is suspected, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial.

• If you miss a dose of didanosine, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• To manage nausea, try taking didanosine with a small amount of food if permissible or at bedtime to sleep through the discomfort.

• For headaches or fatigue related to didanosine, ensuring adequate hydration throughout the day and maintaining a regular sleep schedule might help alleviate these issues.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Didanosine may cause symptoms like dizziness which could affect your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery. Caution is advised under these conditions.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• Didanosine should be used during pregnancy only if needed and under the advice of a doctor. There are risks associated with its use in pregnancy which must be weighed against the potential benefits. Consult your doctor about using didanosine if you are breastfeeding.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Individuals with kidney disease or those undergoing dialysis need to use didanosine with caution.

• Patients with liver disease, including hepatitis, must also be careful when taking didanosine due to potential exacerbation of their condition.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to help support the immune system while managing HIV.

• Stay hydrated especially if experiencing side effects such as diarrhoea or nausea from didanosine.

• Limit consumption of fatty foods and alcohol as they can increase the risk of pancreatitis and liver issues associated with didanosine.

• Engage in regular moderate physical activity as approved by your doctor to maintain overall health and manage stress which is important during treatment of chronic conditions like HIV.