Didanosine, a new antiretroviral drug. A review.
In this article the literature about didanosine, an antiretroviral drug, is reviewed. The mechanism of action, biochemical pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and clinical results of phase-I trials are discussed. Serious adverse effects such as pancreatitis and peripheral neuropathy have occurred in these trials. An antiretroviral effect was observed in terms of an increase in CD4+ lymphocytes and a decrease in p24 antigen levels in HIV-infected individuals. Didanosine seems to be a promising drug against HIV infection, but knowledge about its clinical efficacy is scanty.
Franssen
R M
RM
Department of Pharmacy, Slotervaart Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Meenhorst
P L
PL
Koks
C H
CH
Beijnen
J H
JH
D000818:Animals; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016049:Didanosine / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D012190:Retroviridae / Q000187:drug effects*
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D016049:Didanosine