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

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Chemical Formula:

  • C10H12N4O3

Structure of Didanosine
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




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