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Didanosine (enteric-coated)
Didanosine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) that blocks HIV reverse transcriptase, preventing the virus from converting its RNA genome into DNA and replicating.
Didanosine (enteric-coated) is an antiretroviral medication used in the treatment of HIV infection. It is an analog of deoxyadenosine and works by inhibiting viral DNA synthesis. The drug is manufactured by Advancing Clinical Therapeutics Globally for HIV/AIDS and Other Infections. Despite its efficacy, didanosine has several side effects and drug interactions that require careful management. It is not approved by the FDA, which may limit its use in certain regions. The drug is primarily used in combination with other antiretrovirals to manage HIV infection.
At a glance
| Generic name | Didanosine (enteric-coated) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | ddI |
| Sponsor | Advancing Clinical Therapeutics Globally for HIV/AIDS and Other Infections |
| Drug class | Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) |
| Target | HIV reverse transcriptase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease / Virology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Didanosine is a purine nucleoside analog that is phosphorylated intracellularly to its active form, dideoxyadenosine triphosphate (ddATP). This active metabolite competitively inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase and causes chain termination during viral DNA synthesis. The enteric-coated formulation delays release until the small intestine to improve tolerability and reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
Approved indications
- HIV-1 infection (as part of antiretroviral combination therapy)
Common side effects
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Pancreatitis
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Headache
- Rash
- Lactic acidosis
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