Definition
Dideoxyinosine, also known as didanosine (covered next), is an antiretroviral medication used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. It's classified as a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). It works by disrupting the HIV virus's ability to replicate itself. Like other NRTIs, it interferes with the virus's RNA-to-DNA conversion process. It was once a common treatment, but has been largely replaced by newer drugs. Think of it as a historical tool for fighting HIV.