Videx (Didanosine Pediatric Powder for Oral Solution) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

Pill Identifier Search

May 26, 2012

Videx

HIV and AIDS: Antiretroviral Drugs, Treatments and Medications »

Entry Inhibitors (including Fusion Inhibitors) and CCR5 Co-receptor Antagonist

Entry Inhibitors
Entry inhibitors block HIV entry into CD4+ cells.

Fusion inhibitors
The only drug in this class is T-20, which is administered as a twice daily subcutaneous injection. The most common side effect is redness and pain at the site of injection. Rarely, infection can occur at the injection site. There also are reports of generalized allergic reactions.

CCR5 antagonist
Although there were some early concerns of liver inflammation for drugs in this class, MVC appeared to be well tolerated in clinical trials without any specific toxicities attributable to the drug. However, it is a new drug in a new class and the first to actually target the cell. For these reasons, longer follow-up from clinical trials and those followed in the clinic will be very important for assessing the overall safety of the...

Read the HIV and AIDS: Antiretroviral Drugs, Treatments and Medications article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Videx

HIV AIDS Myths and Facts Slideshow Pictures

Take the HIV/AIDS Quiz

AIDS Retrospective Slideshow Pictures

font size

VIDEX
(didanosine, USP)

WARNING

PANCREATITIS, LACTIC ACIDOSIS and HEPATOMEGALY with STEATOSIS

Fatal and nonfatal pancreatitis has occurred during therapy with VIDEX used alone or in combination regimens in both treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients, regardless of degree of immunosuppression. VIDEX should be suspended in patients with suspected pancreatitis and discontinued in patients with confirmed pancreatitis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis, including fatal cases, have been reported with the use of nucleoside analogues alone or in combination, including didanosine and other antiretrovirals. Fatal lactic acidosis has been reported in pregnant women who received the combination of didanosine and stavudine with other antiretroviral agents. The combination of didanosine and stavudine should be used with caution during pregnancy and is recommended only if the potential benefit clearly outweighs the potential risk [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

DRUG DESCRIPTION

VIDEX® is a brand name for didanosine, USP, a synthetic purine nucleoside analogue active against HIV-1.

Didanosine is available as VIDEX, a Pediatric Powder for Oral Solution [see HOW SUPPLIED/Storage and Handling] and as VIDEX® EC Delayed-Release Capsules, containing enteric-coated beadlets [consult prescribing information for VIDEX EC (didanosine)].

The chemical name for didanosine is 2',3'-dideoxyinosine. The structural formula is:

VIDEX (didanosine) Structural Formula Illustration

Didanosine is a white crystalline powder with the molecular formula C₁₀H₁₂N₄O₃ and a molecular weight of 236.2. The aqueous solubility of didanosine at 25° C and pH of approximately 6 is 27.3 mg/mL. Didanosine is unstable in acidic solutions. For example, at pH less than 3 and 37° C, 10% of didanosine decomposes to hypoxanthine in less than 2 minutes.

What are the possible side effects of didanosine (Videx, Videx EC)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using didanosine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

liver damage - nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
lactic acidosis - muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble breathing, nausea...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Videx »

What are the precautions when taking didanosine pediatric powder for oral solution (Videx)?

Before taking didanosine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: pancreatitis, kidney problems, liver problems (such as hepatitis, cirrhosis), nerve problems (such as peripheral neuropathy), alcohol use, high fat levels in the blood (triglycerides), gall bladder problems (such as gall stones), gout.

Avoid alcoholic beverages because they may increase your risk for liver problems and pancreatitis.

Didanosine may increase your risk of a heart attack. Discuss the risks and...

Read All Potential Precautions of Videx »

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/6/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.