An antiviral drug used in the treatment of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Didanosine (Videx) stops the growth of the HIV. Didanosine is also called ddl. It is not a cure for AIDS, although in combination with other drugs, it can slow the disease process and prolong a person’s life.
The second drug approved (1991) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of AIDS. The first approved drug in the United States was ziduvudine (Retrovir, Burroughs Wellcome Co.).
Didanosine (ddI, DDI) is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used to treat progressive or advanced HIV infection. Preferably it should be given in combination with other antiretroviral drugs. This drug has a range of potentially serious side-effects such as pancreatitis, peripheral neuropathy, diabetes mellitus and liver failure. Its use requires monitoring and patients taking it should receive counselling.