Videx

Common Name: didanosine

How does Videx work?

Didanosine is used in combination with other HIV drugs to treat the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the virus responsible for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Didanosine is one of a class of drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Reverse transcriptase is a part of HIV required to infect cells and make more virus. Didanosine prevents reverse transcriptase from working properly. Didanosine does not cure AIDS and does not prevent it from being spread to others, but it does help to slow down the progression of the disease. This may help to delay the development of problems related to AIDS or HIV disease.

How should I use Videx?

The following doses are only average doses. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. For the treatment of advanced HIV infection or AIDS: teenagers and adults less than 60 kg (chewable tablet) - 125 mg every 12 hours teenagers and adults 60 kg or more (chewable tablet) - 200 mg every 12 hours children (pediatric liquid) - the dose ranges from 31 mg to 125 mg (based on weight) every eight to twelve hours Didanosine tablets should be thoroughly chewed or crushed or mixed in at least one ounce of water before swallowing. If tablets are mixed in water, the entire volume of water should be swallowed immediately after mixing. The pediatric liquid will be prepared by the pharmacist. Shake the mixture thoroughly before each use and store the tightly closed container in the refrigerator for up to 30 days only. Didanosine should be taken on an empty stomach (at least two hours before or two hours after eating) since food might reduce the amount of drug that gets absorbed into the bloodstream. This medication should not be taken with acidic fruit juices. It is very important to take this medication on a regular basis as prescribed. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses. If you forget many doses in a row, talk to your doctor about how to resume dosing. Store medication away from heat and direct light and moisture.

What form(s) does Videx come in?

Didanosine is supplied as 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg tablets. Tablets are off-white to light orange/yellow with a mottled appearance, orange-flavoured, chewable, dispersible, and buffered. It is also available in a pediatric solution containing 83.3 mg didanosine per 5 mL, in bottles of 240 mL. The tablets contain aspartame, calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium stearate, mandarin orange flavour, cellulose, polyplasdone, and sorbitol as nonmedicinal ingredients. This product does not contain gluten, yeast, starch, or lactose.

What should I NOT take with Videx?

Didanosine should not be taken by anyone allergic to any of the ingredients of the medication. Phenylketonurics should not take the tablets, as they contain aspartame.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Videx?

Pregnancy: Adequate studies of the use of this drug by pregnant women are not available. Talk to your doctor for guidance. Breast-feeding: It is not known whether this drug is excreted in breast milk.