Zidovir Tablet (Zidovudine)

Introduction of Zidovir Tablet (Zidovudine)

Zidovudine, also sold under the brands Retrovir and Zidovir among several other trade names, is an antiviral drug. This medication belongs to a group of HIV medicines called reverse transcriptase inhibitors that prevent the HIV virus from reproducing in the body. Zidovudine is prescribed for the treatment of HIV which causes the disease called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS. However, this medication will not cure the body of HIV or AIDS.

Uses of Zidovir Tablet (Zidovudine)

Zidovudine is used in combination with other antiretroviral (ART) medicines for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection. Zidovudine is also indicated for use in HIV-positive pregnant (over 14 weeks) women for prevention of maternal-fetal HIV transmission (passing of infection) and for primary preventive treatment of HIV infection in newborn infants.

How it works

Zidovudine belongs to a group of medications called nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), also known as antiretrovirals. Zidovudine does not cure HIV infection; it reduces the number of viruses in the body by inhibiting the enzyme (viral reverse transcriptase) which is essential for the virus to grow. Further, zidovudine also increases some white blood cells (CD4 cells) in the body which are important in fighting infections.

Zidovudine Dosing Information

Zidovudine dosage may depend on a range of factors like age, sex, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Your dosage will be determined by your doctor after examining you properly. Remember to follow your doctor’s advice properly for best results.

Important Precautions about Zidovir Tablet (Zidovudine)

• Do not take Zidovudine antiviral HIV medicine (Retrovir, Zidovir) if you have a known allergy to it or any medicine that has Zidovudine. Also, do not take Zidovudine with other medicines that also contain Zidovudine or Stavudine.
• Lactic acidosis has been observed in some people who took Zidovudine. Initial symptoms of lactic acidosis may deteriorate over time and can prove fatal. Hence you must get medical attention right away on the first signs of lactic acidosis such as muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in the limbs, breathing trouble, stomach pain, or nausea with vomiting.
• Zidovudine can also cause severe and life-threatening damage to your liver. Let your doctor know in advance if you have a condition affecting the liver, especially Hepatitis C. Seek medical attention right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage: severe pain in the upper stomach which advances to the back, nausea, and vomiting, fast heartbeats, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice.
• Zidovudine can lower the count of white blood cells, the component of blood that helps the body to fight infections. You must take necessary precautions to avoid getting infected such as not being near sick people or avoiding activities that increase the risk of bleeding. Let your doctor know right away if you get any signs of an infection while taking this medication.
• Lamivudine is an FDA pregnancy category C drug. It is not known if it can harm an unborn baby if taken while pregnant. HIV can be transmitted to your baby if you are not treated properly during pregnancy.
  
  

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Zidovudine Alternatives Are:

• Consider Tenofovir as an alternative to Zidovudine for HIV/AIDS treatment.
• Emtricitabine can be used as a substitute for Zidovudine in certain cases.
• Lamivudine is another viable alternative to Zidovudine for managing HIV infection.
  
  

Before taking Zidovir Tablet (Zidovudine)

• Before taking Zidovudine antiviral HIV medicine, take care of all precautions mentioned above. Discuss them with your doctor and clear all doubts that you may have about this drug.
• To be sure that Zidovudine is safe for you, inform your doctor in advance if you have any of the following conditions: kidney disease, bone marrow suppression, anemia, an active infection, or if you have used other HIV drugs in the past.
  
  

How should I take Zidovudine?

• Take Zidovudine HIV/AIDS medication (Retrovir, Zidovir) strictly according to your doctor’s direction or according to the instructions on the medication label. Do not alter the dosage unless your doctor advises you to do so. Also, do not take this medication after the prescribed period is over. All medications come with a patient leaflet. Refer to the instructions in them for detailed information on that particular medication.
• HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of drugs. Always take the prescribed drugs as directed by your doctor. Store this medication in a cool and dry place. Always store Zidovudine in a cool and dry place.
  
  

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Zidovudine, take it as soon as you remember. Don’t take the missed dose if the time to take the next dose is almost up. Taking multiple doses near to each other can lead to excess medication in your body which can be harmful.

What if I overdose?

In case of an overdose of Zidovudine, get emergency medical attention or call the Doctor immediately. Overdose can cause some of the side effects listed below in this guide.

Things and Activities to Avoid while Taking Zidovudine

• Zidovudine can lower the count of white blood cells, the component of blood that helps the body to fight infections. You must take necessary precautions to avoid getting infected such as not being near sick people or avoiding activities that increase the risk of bleeding. Let your doctor know right away if you get any signs of an infection while taking this medication.
• Zidovudine will not help your body get rid of HIV/AIDS. It will stop the growth and multiplication of the virus. Chances of spreading HIV will still remain the same through unprotected sex, infected razors, or toothbrush. Hence, avoid these activities and things. Also, avoid alcohol as alcohol can increase the chances of liver damage.

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Side Effects of Zidovir Tablet (Zidovudine)

• Some common side effects of Zidovudine/Retrovir are nausea, headache, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, or diarrhea. If any of these effects persist or deteriorate, seek medical attention right away.
• Some people may experience a deterioration of a previous medical condition as their immune system recovers, or develop new conditions due to an overactive immune system. Let your doctor know right away if you develop any new condition or if any of your existing conditions worsen.
• Lactic acidosis has been observed in some people who took Zidovudine. Initial symptoms of lactic acidosis may deteriorate over time and can prove fatal. Hence you must get medical attention right away on the first signs of lactic acidosis such as muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in the limbs, breathing trouble, stomach pain, or nausea with vomiting.
• Zidovudine can also cause severe or life-threatening damage to your liver. Seek medical attention right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver or pancreas damage: severe pain in the upper stomach which advances to the back, nausea and vomiting, fast heartbeats, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice.
• The side effects mentioned above are not the only ones that you may experience or witness due to Zidovudine. If you get any serious side effects due to this medication, contact your doctor right away.
  
  

Zidovir Tablet (Zidovudine) Interaction of Zidovir (Zidovudine)

Inform your doctor if you use any of the following drugs: anti-viral drugs such as ganciclovir, anti-cancer drugs such as doxorubicin, interferons, or sulfa drugs. These drugs can potentially interact with Zidovudine. However, these are not all the possible drugs that can interact with Zidovudine. There may be others. You must inform your doctor in advance if you use any medicines or related products. Never start a new medicine without consulting a doctor first.

Expert advice

• Inform your doctor if you have or ever had any liver problems or liver disease including hepatitis B or C or kidney problems.
• Inform your doctor if you are suffering from diabetes or are overweight and on insulin therapy.
• As treatment with zidovudine does not reduce the risk of passing HIV on to others by sexual contact or blood transfer, discuss with your doctor about necessary precautions (practicing safer sex and making other lifestyle changes) to be taken to avoid spreading of HIV virus to others.
• Tell your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions

Zidovudine

Q. Is Zidovudine an antibiotic?

No,Zidovudine is not an antibiotic; it belongs to a class of drugs called antiretrovirals.

Q. Is Zidovudine a prodrug?

Yes, Zidovudine is a prodrug and must be activated (by phosphorylation in lymphocytes) in the body to exert its antiviral action.

Q. Is Zidovudine a protease inhibitor?

No,Zidovudine is not a protease inhibitor; it is a nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor.

Q. Does zidovudine cross placenta?

Zidovudine crosses the placenta and thereby reducing HIV transmission from the mother to the fetus.

Q. How is zidovudine administered?

Zidovudine can be administered as tablets, syrups, and suspensions in combination with other antiretroviral medications.

Q. Does zidovudine cause muscle pain?

Yes, muscle pain is a known adverse effect of the use of zidovudine.

Q. Does zidovudine cause lipodystrophy?

There are no known effects of zidovudine on lipid distribution and it is not known to cause lipodystrophy.

Q. How does zidovudine cause anemia?

Zidovudine is known to cause bone marrow depression and thereby cause anemia (reduction in red blood cell count).

Q. How much does zidovudine cost?

The price of zidovudine may vary depending upon the brand prescribed to you.
Please read the instruction on the package for the correct price of the product.