Didanosine and Aluminum Carbonate, Basic: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Didanosine
Aluminum Carbonate, Basic
No brand names on record
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
An increased risk of adverse effects from the antacid
Interaction Deep Dive
The bioavailability of didanosine is enhanced when taken with antacids3. However, didanosine chewable/dispersible tablets and the pediatric powder for oral solution already contain buffers for increasing the gastrointestinal pH. Concomitant use with an aluminum- or magnesium-containing antacid may potentiate the adverse effects of the antacid 12.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Excessive antacid intake
Literature reports
1 report — tap to read
a) The bioavailability of didanosine taken in different oral formulations was evaluated in 25 HIV-infected patients. When didanosine was given as an oral suspension dissolved in apple juice, along with 30 ml of oral antacid (Maalox(R) or Amphojel(R)), to fasting patients, the mean bioavailability was 41%. By comparison, bioavailability was 25% for a didanosine tablet containing citrate buffer. When this same tablet was given with supplemental antacid, bioavailability of didanosine increased to 36% 3.
Common questions
Can I take Didanosine and Aluminum Carbonate, Basic together?
An increased risk of adverse effects from the antacid Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Didanosine and Aluminum Carbonate, Basic interaction?
It is rated minor. Usually limited clinical impact.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "delayed". Effects tend to build up gradually over days to weeks.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Didanosine or Aluminum Carbonate, Basic need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there anything you'd monitor while I'm on both?
References (3)
- Product Information: VIDEX(R) pediatric powder for oral solution, didanosine pediatric powder for oral solution. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ, 2009.
- Product Information: Videx(R), didanosine. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ, 1999. DailyMed
- Hartman NR, Yarchoan R, Pluda JM, et al: Pharmacokinetics of 2',3'-dideoxyinosine in patients with severe human immunodeficiency infection. II. The effects of different oral formulations and the presence of other medications. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1991; 50:278-285. PubMed
Keep reading about Didanosine
Keep reading about Aluminum Carbonate, Basic
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