Videx

What is it?

An antiretroviral preparation and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, available as chewable, white, dispersible tablets in 2 strengths, containing 25mg and 200mg of didanosine. Also, VIDEX EC, available as enteric-coated, white capsules in 4 strengths containing 125mg, 200mg, 250mg and 400mg of didanosine, coded 6671, 6672, 6673 and 6674, respectively and with BMS and strength.

Medical Uses

With other antiretrovirals to treat HIV infections.

Dosage

Adults, Videx, weighing less than 60kg, 250mg to start as 1 or 2 divided doses; weighing more than 60kg, 400mg each day in 1 or 2 divided doses. Each dose should contain at least 2 tablets to provide enough antacid. Tablets can be chewed or dissolved in water or clear apple juice and drunk but should be taken at least half an hour before meals. Children, aged over 3 months, 240mg per square metres of body area to start, in 1 or 2 divided doses containing at least 2 tablets. Or, if combined with zidovudine, 180mg per square metre of body area in 1 or 2 divided doses. Videx EC, adults, weighing less than 60kg, 250mg every 12 hours to start in 1 or 2 divided doses; weighing over 60kg, 400mg each day in 2 divided doses. All doses to be taken at least 2 hours be fore or 2 hours after a meal. Children, aged over 6 years, 240mg per square metre of body area (or 180mg per square metre, if combined with zidovudine), all in 1 or 2 divided doses taken 12 hourly. Doses must be taken at least 2 hours before or after a meal.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, impaired kidney or liver function, lactic acidosis, phenylketonuria, pancreatitis. Blood levels of amylase must be monitored before and during treatment; Also, uric acid, liver enzymes and triglycerides. Eyes must be checked, especially in children, for signs of changes in optic nerve and retina; Also, patients must be monitored for signs of damage to peripheral nerves.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Ganciclovir, tetracyclines, drugs with risk of pancreatitis or damage to peripheral nerves. Drugs sensitive to levels of stomach acid or that affect this should not be combined with Videx.

Known Side Effects

Gastrointestinal upset, peripheral nerve damage, lactic acidosis, pancreatitis, blood changes, high levels of uric acid in blood. In rare cases, allergic reactions, changes to retina and optic nerve, liver failure, dry mouth, diabetes, headache, weakness.