Zidovudine is a drug for mengdrugi HIV infection. This drug can also be used for reduce the risk of HIV transmission from pregnant women to fetushis. For maximum treatment results, zidovudine is often combined with other antiviral drugs. This medicine must used according to doctor's prescription.
Zidovudine works by inhibiting enzymes reverse transcreate which the HIV virus uses to reproduce. That way, the number of viruses can be reduced and the immune system can work better.
Please note that this drug cannot cure HIV/AIDS, but it can slow the progression of symptoms and the risk of complications due to a weakened immune system.
Zidovudine trademark: Duviral, Lamivudine-Zidovudine, ZDV
What is Zidovudine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Anti Virus nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) |
| Benefit | Slows the progression of HIV, and prevents HIV transmission from infected pregnant women to their babies |
| Consumed by | Adults and newborns |
| Zidovudine for pregnant and lactating women | Category B: Animal studies have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Zidovudine may be absorbed into breast milk. Therefore, this drug should not be used while breastfeeding. |
| Drug form | Tablets, capsules |
Warnings Before Taking Zidovudine
Zidovudine should not be used carelessly. There are several things that must be considered before using this drug, including:
- Do not take zidovudine if you are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had kidney disease, pancreatitis, blood disorders, bone marrow disorders, osteoporosis, alcoholism, or liver disease, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or cirrhosis.
- Tell your doctor if you plan to have dental work or surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction to the drug, a more serious side effect, or an overdose, after taking zidovudine.
Zidovudine Dosage and Use Rules
Zidovudine is only given on the advice of a doctor. The following are zidovudine dosages based on their intended use:
Purpose: Treating HIV infection
- Adults and children weighing 30 kg: 250–300 mg, 2 times daily, in combination with other antiviral drugs
- Children weighing 22–30 kg: 200 mg, 2 times a day
- Children weighing 14–21 kg: 100 mg given in the morning and 200 mg given in the evening
- Children weighing 8–13 kg: 100 mg, 2 times a day
Purpose: Preventing the transmission of HIV infection from pregnant women to the fetus
- Mature: 100 mg, 5 times a day, given from 14 weeks of gestation until delivery
Purpose: Preventing HIV infection in newborns
- Baby: 2 mg/kg, every 6 hours, starting 12 hours after the baby is born and continuing for 6 weeks
How to Take Zidovudine Correctly
Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the instructions for use listed on the packaging before taking zidovudine.
Try to take zidovudine at the same time every day, for maximum benefits. If you forget to take zidovudine, wait until your next scheduled dose and do not double your dose.
Do not change the dose or stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor. Stopping the drug suddenly can cause the amount of virus in the body to increase and the disease to be more difficult to treat.
Store zidovudine at room temperature and away from heat and humidity. Close the medicine packaging tightly after use and keep it out of reach of children.
Zidovudine Interactions with Other Drugs
The use of zidovudine together with other drugs can cause drug interactions, including:
- Increases the risk of liver damage which can be fatal if taken with interferon alpha
- Increased risk of side effects if taken with drugs that can cause kidney damage, such as amphotericin, flucytosine, vincristin, ganciclovir, vinblastine, doxorubicin, or cotrimoxazole
- Increases risk of anemia if taken with ribavirin
- Decreased effectiveness of zidovudine when taken with rifampicin
- Increases blood levels of zidovudine when taken with probenecid, atovaquone, valproic acid, fluconazole, or methadone
- Inhibits absorption of zidovudine when taken with clarithromycin
Side Effects and Dangers of Zidovudine
Zidovudine can cause a number of side effects, including:
- Headache
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- Stomach ache
- Weight loss
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Weak
- Insomnia
Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse. See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or a more serious side effect, such as:
- Fever
- Cold sweat at night
- Irregular heartbeat
- Dizzy
- Tired easily
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Swollen face or legs
- Dark urine
- Muscle and bone pain
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Stomach pain that gets worse
