Videx EC, is a drug used as part of antiretroviral therapy (ART) also known as ddI or dideoxyinosine.
Videx EC is a nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor, or nuke. These drugs block the reverse transcriptase enzyme. This enzyme changes HIV's genetic material (RNA) into the form of DNA. This has to occur before HIV's genetic code gets inserted into an infected cell's own genetic codes. |
| What are the recommended dosage of videx ec? |
If you have a kidney or liver problem, your dosage may be reduced.
ADULTS
Tablets
For adults weighing 132 pounds or more, the recommended dose is 200 milligrams every 12 hours. Those weighing less than 132 pounds usually take 125 milligrams every 12 hours.
Buffered Powder for Oral Solution
For adults weighing 132 pounds or more, the recommended dose is 250 milligrams every 12 hours. Those weighing less than 132 pounds usually take 167 milligrams every 12 hours.
Videx EC Delayed-Release Capsules
For adults weighing 132 pounds or more, the recommended dose is 400 milligrams once a day. If you weigh less than 132 pounds, the usual dose is 250 milligrams once a day.
CHILDREN
The recommended dose for pediatric patients 2 weeks of age and older varies according to the child's weight. Videx EC capsules are not prescribed for children. |
| What are the side effects of using videx ec? |
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Lactic acidosis, which can be fatal, and severe liver problems (fatty liver) have been reported in people taking nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). These problems are more likely to occur in HIV-positive people taking Zerit® (d4T) or Zerit in combination with Videx. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting, or unusual or unexpected stomach discomfort; weakness and tiredness; shortness of breath; weakness in the arms and legs; yellowing of the skin or eyes; or pain in the upper stomach area. |
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Videx can cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Pancreatitis is a rare but serious side effect that can be life-threatening in some cases. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of pancreatitis, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. You should avoid alcohol while you are taking Videx, as alcohol can increase the risk of damage to your pancreas. |
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A common side effect of Videx is peripheral neuropathy, which can result in pain, tingling, numbness, or burning in the hands and/or feet. Stopping Videx and starting another NRTI that does not usually cause peripheral neuropathy – for example, Retrovir® (AZT) or Ziagen® (abacavir) – is often the best way to stop peripheral neuropathy. |
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Other common side effects include stomach aches, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, and central nervous system effects (e.g., anxiety, headaches, trouble sleeping, irritability, and restlessness). Very often, these side effects improve within a few months/weeks of starting Videx. |
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Damage to the eyes is another serious side effect that can be caused by Videx. This is more likely to occur in HIV-positive children taking Videx. |
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Anti-HIV drug regimens containing NRTIs, including Videx and Videx EC, can cause increased fat levels (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood, abnormal body-shape changes (lipodystrophy; including increased fat around the abdomen, breasts, and back of the neck, as well as decreased fat in the face, arms, and legs), and diabetes. These side effects of anti-HIV drug therapy are reviewed in our lessons on Lipodystrophy, Facial Lipoatrophy, and Risks To Your Heart (Hyperlipidemia). |
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Hepatic decompensation—Ribavirin medicine should not be used in patients with this condition. |
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Mental depression—Ribavirin should be used carefully in patients with this condition, especially adolescents as serious side effects can occur. |
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Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)—Ribavirin should suspended in |
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| What are the precautions of using vedix ec? |
| Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: pancreatitis, kidney problems, liver problems, nerve problems (peripheral neuropathy), any allergies you may have (especially to other HIV medication). Avoid alcoholic beverages because they may increase your risk for liver problems and/or pancreatitis. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because breast milk can transmit HIV, do not breast-feed. |
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