Dinex EC (Didanosine Capsules) used

Dinex EC (Didanosine Capsules) are used in combination with other drugs in the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection in adults weighing more than 60 kg. This combination therapy is known as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). HIV impairs the immune system by attacking specific immune cells called CD4+ cells that are involved in fighting infection, which can lead to opportunistic life-threatening infection (infections that would not normally be harmful); also if too many CD4+ cells are destroyed this can result in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Dinex EC (Didanosine Capsules) in combination with other antiretroviral drugs helps prevent or slow down the ability of HIV to replicate and spread, which keeps the amount of virus (viral load) down to a low level; allowing the numbers of CD4+ cells to increase, so that the immune system can recover, reducing the risk of disease progression.

Dinex EC (Didanosine Capsules) work

Dinex EC (Didanosine Capsules) contain didanosine, an antiretroviral drug that is effective only against RNA viruses (retroviruses) like Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and works by inhibiting the action of the viral-specific enzyme reverse transcriptase (RT) which is needed for the virus to be able to replicate. Retroviruses convert RNA to DNA, which is then integrated into the DNA of infected immune cells so that the virus can replicate. Didanosine in Dinex EC capsules 400mg is a nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), which means that it blocks the action of RT by competing with one of the nucleosides, in this case adenosine, needed to transcribe the viral RNA into DNA. Didanosine in Dinex EC capsules becomes incorporated into the chain of newly synthesized viral DNA and prevents it from growing (chain termination). This action prevents the integration of the virus into the DNA of the infected CD4+ immune cell, which inhibits the replication of HIV so that no more virus can be produced, reducing the viral load (amount of virus). Dinex EC capsules 400mg slow down the replication of HIV within your body but does not kill the virus already present. Didanosine in Dinex EC capsules 400mg is easily damaged by stomach acid and is therefore provided as capsules containing enteric-coated beadlets, which are slowly released and help to protect the drug from damaging effects of stomach acid.

What is Didanosine for:

This medication is a reverse transcriptase inhibitor, prescribed for HIVAIDS either alone or with other antiretroviral drugs. It works by decreasing the amount of HIV in the blood.

How does Didanosine work:

Didanosine works to harm the virus and fight the infection.

How should Didanosine be used:

Daily dose is based on body weight. Adult: PO- As tabcap: patients with body weight more than 60kg: 400 mgday. Patients with body weight less than 60 kg: 250 mgday. It comes as a tablet to take by mouth, on en empty stomach.

Common side effects of Didanosine :

Headache. Belly pain. Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals, good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help. Loose stools (diarrhea). Change in body fat. Irritated pancreas may rarely happen.

What do I do if I miss a dose

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses. Do not change the dose or stop this drug. Talk with the doctor.

What precautions should I take when taking Didanosine :

If you have an allergy to didanosine or any other part of this drug. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

When do I need to seek medical help

If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Very bad dizziness or passing out. A fast heartbeat. Trouble breathing. Not able to eat. Very bad belly pain. Very upset stomach or throwing up. Very loose stools (diarrhea). Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. Very bad muscle pain or weakness. Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes. Feeling very tired or weak. Any bruising or bleeding. Throwing up blood. Feeling cold. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

Can I take Didanosine with other medicines:

Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs and food. - Taking them together can cause bad side effects. - Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.

Are there any food restrictions

Avoid Alcohol

How do I store Didanosine :

To be stored in a cool place and in an airtight container.

Pregnancy Category

Category B : Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.

Therapeutic Classification

Antivirals