Proper Use
Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®
Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Also, do not stop taking this medicine without checking first with your doctor.
This medicine comes with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Keep taking didanosine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better. Only take medicine that your doctor has prescribed specifically for you. Do not share your medicine with other people.
This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any doses. If you need help in planning the best times to take your medicine, check with your doctor.
Didanosine should be taken on an empty stomach since food may keep it from working properly. Didanosine oral liquid should be taken at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after you eat.
Swallow the delayed-release capsule whole. Do not break, crush, chew, or open it.
Shake the oral liquid before use. Measure each dose with a specially marked measuring spoon or measuring cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
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For HIV infection:
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For oral dosage form (delayed-release capsules):
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Adults and children who can swallow capsules—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.
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For patients weighing 60 kilograms (kg) or more—400 milligrams (mg) once a day.
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For patients weighing 25 kg to less than 60 kg—250 mg once a day.
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For patients weighing 20 kg to less than 25 kg—200 mg once a day.
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Children weighing less than 20 kg—The oral capsules are not given to small children.
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For oral dosage form (solution):
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Adults weighing 60 kilograms (kg) or more—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 200 milligrams (mg) 2 times a day or 400 mg once a day.
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Adults weighing less than 60 kg—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 125 mg 2 times a day or 250 mg once a day.
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Children older than 8 months of age—Dose is based on body size and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 120 milligrams per square meter (mg/m(2)) 2 times a day.
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Infants 2 weeks to 8 months old—Dose is based on body size and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 100 mg/m(2) 2 times a day.
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Infants younger than 2 weeks old—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Store the delayed-release capsules in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused medicine after 30 days.
Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024
Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.