Didanosine (ddI): Chemical Structure, Mechanism of Action, Uses & Side Effects

Chemical Formula:

• C10H12N4O3

Structure of Didanosine

Mechanism of Action:

• Didanosine is an NRTI that works against HIV.

• Similar to zidovudine, it is a nucleoside analogue that, after being phosphorylated into its active form, competes with natural nucleotides for incorporation into the viral DNA chain by reverse transcriptase.

• This incorporation results in chain termination and inhibition of viral replication.

Uses:

• Didanosine is used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs to treat HIV infection.

Side Effects:

Some common side effects of didanosine include:

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Headache

• Abdominal pain

• Peripheral neuropathy

Serious side effects may include:

• Pancreatitis

• Lactic acidosis

• Hepatomegaly with steatosis

• Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension