DIVIR
DIDANOSINE · by A. J. MIRZA
Composition
Tab: Didanosine 200 mg.
Indications & Dosage
HIV infection in combination with other antiretroviral drugs: Adult: body-weight less than 60 kg: 250 mg daily in1-2 divided doses; body-weight 60 kg and above: 400 mg daily in1-2 divided doses Children below 3 months:200 mg/mu (180 mg/mu daily in combination with zidovudine) in 1-2 divided doses.
Precautions
Combination treatment of didanosine & stavudine during pregnancy, patient with risk factors for liver disease, pancreatitis, risk factors for pancreatitis e.g. patients with advanced HIV infection, patients with combination antiretroviral therapy, history of pancreatitis, elderly, paediatric patients, renal & hepatic impairment, peripheral neuropathy. Periodic retinal exam is recommended, hyperuricaemia, immune reconstitution syndrome & patients with restricted diets.
Interactions
Co-administration with drugs known to cause peripheral neuropathy or pancreatitis may increase the risk of these toxicities. Allopurinol; methadone; tenofovir; delavirdine & indinavir; ketoconazole & itraconazole' ganciclovir; tetracyclines; quinolones, ribavirin
Side Effects
Acute renal failure, alopecia, anaphylactic reactions, diabetes mellitus, dry eyes, dry mouth, hyperuricaemia, (suspend if raised significantly), hypoglycaemia, lactic acidosis, lipodystrophy, liver failure, non-cirrhotic portal hypertension, optic nerve changes, pancreatitis, parotid gland enlargement, peripheral neuropathy (switch toanother antiretroviral if peripheral neuropathy develops), retinal changes, rhabdomyolysis, sialadenitis