Didanosine
Didanosine is an antiretroviral medication classified as a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) used in combination with other drugs to treat HIV-1 infection. It works by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme that HIV needs to replicate, helping to reduce viral load and slow disease progression. This medication has largely been replaced by newer, better-tolerated options in modern HIV treatment regimens.
Didanosine is an older HIV medication that inhibits viral replication by blocking the reverse transcriptase enzyme.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J05AF02
- RxNorm
- 3364
- Generic
- Didanosine
- Class
- atc-j05
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- solution, capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
6 groupspregnancy
general pregnancycontinue if needed for maternal health
use only if clearly needed for maternal HIV treatment; consider switching to alternatives with more pregnancy safety data
regular prenatal monitoring and viral load tracking
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingnot recommended
HIV-infected mothers should not breastfeed regardless of ART status to prevent transmission
N/A
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children 6 months and olderweight-based dosing required
dose based on body surface area; monitor for pancreatic toxicity and peripheral neuropathy
regular monitoring of amylase, lipase, and neurological symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderstart at lower end of dosing range
use with caution due to age-related decline in renal and hepatic function; monitor for adverse effects
regular renal function, liver function, and pancreatic enzyme monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe creatinine clearance below 30 ml minsignificant dose reduction required; contraindicated in some formulations
dose adjustment essential; consider alternative agents; avoid using extended-release formulation in severe impairment
frequent renal function monitoring and drug level monitoring if available
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severemay require dose reduction
use with caution; monitor liver function tests closely
regular hepatic function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval date for Didanosine (Videx)
Drug class
Antiretroviral drug class classification
Primary indication
Primary therapeutic use for Didanosine
Black Box Warning
Serious adverse reactions requiring warning
Didanosine is indicated for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in combination with other antiretroviral agents. It is typically used when other NRTIs cannot be tolerated or are contraindicated.
Didanosine is a nucleoside analog that gets incorporated into the growing viral DNA chain during HIV replication. Once incorporated, it causes chain termination because it lacks the necessary structure for continued DNA synthesis, thereby inhibiting viral replication.
Didanosine must be taken on an empty stomach for optimal absorption. Common serious side effects include pancreatitis and peripheral neuropathy. It may also cause lactic acidosis and hepatomegaly. Regular monitoring of pancreatic enzymes and nerve function is recommended during treatment.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy