Generic
Zidovudine
1 brands available in the market
At a glance
Zidovudine belongs to a group of medicines called antiretrovirals. It is used to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), the virus that can cause AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). It helps to control HIV infection so your immune system can work better.
Description
Zidovudine is a thymidine analogue. It is phosphorylated in the body to its active form zidovudine triphosphate which interferes in DNA synthesis of retroviruses by inhibiting DNA replication.
Indications
- HIV infection
Therapeutic class
Antiretroviral
Pharmacological class
Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NRTI)
Pharmacology
Zidovudine is a thymidine analogue. It is phosphorylated in the body to its active form zidovudine triphosphate which interferes in DNA synthesis of retroviruses by inhibiting DNA replication. Zidovudine inhibits the key enzyme reverse transcriptase.
Mechanism of action
Inhibits viral reverse transcriptase, preventing HIV virus multiplication.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- HIV Infection: 300 mg PO every 12 hours OR 200 mg PO every 8 hours (600 mg/day)
Adult Dose (IV):
- 1 mg/kg/dose 5-6 times/day
Child Dose (Oral):
- 4 weeks-18 years: 240 mg/m² PO every 12 hours or 160 mg/m² PO every 8 hours
Renal Impairment: CrCl <15 mL/min: 100 mg PO or 1 mg/kg IV every 6-8 hours
Administration
- May be taken with or without food
- Do not chew, crush or break
- Take at a fixed time each day
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible; if almost time for next dose, skip it; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle pain
Precautions & warnings
- May decrease alertness; do not drive
- Take with food, as this increases the absorption
- May cause dizziness or sleepiness; do not drive or do anything requiring concentration
- You may still develop infections or other illnesses associated with viral infection
- Regular blood tests are needed to monitor liver function, level of hepatitis B virus and blood cells
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Abnormally low neutrophil counts (<750/mm³) or hemoglobin (<7.5 g/dL)
- Lactation
- Concomitant use with interferon alfa (with or without ribavirin) in HIV and hepatitis B or C virus co-infected patients
Drug interactions
- Tipranavir: decreased zidovudine concentration
- Bortezomib: increased risk of peripheral neuropathy
- IV pentamidine, lamivudine, dapsone, vancomycin, flucytosine, amphotericin, ganciclovir, interferon alfa, cyclophosphamide: increased haematological toxicity
- Atovaquone, chloramphenicol, fluconazole, valproate: increased risk of zidovudine toxicity
- Clarithromycin: decreased absorption; administer at least 2 hours apart
- Probenecid: increased zidovudine concentration and increased potential for hypersensitivity reactions
- Rifampicin: increased zidovudine clearance and haematological toxicity
- Stavudine, didanosine, ribavirin, zalcitabine: avoid with zidovudine (potentially fatal)
Food interactions
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Zidovudine.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: May be unsafe; animal studies show harmful effects; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Probably safe; limited human data suggests no significant risk; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Pediatric dosage regimen established
Geriatric use
Caution required in elderly patients
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Caution needed; CrCl <15 mL/min: 100 mg PO or 1 mg/kg IV every 6-8 hours
Hepatic Impairment: Caution needed; dose adjustment may be needed; not recommended in moderate to severe liver disease
Overdose effects
Symptoms: Limited information.
Treatment: Supportive care.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light; keep out of reach of children.