Zidovudine

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Generic Name of Zidovudine - Learn More

Zidovudine

Zidovudine Precaution - What You Need to Know

Before starting Zidovudine, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider to ensure it is suitable for the individual, particularly for patients with the following conditions:

- Hematologic Disorders: Zidovudine can cause bone marrow suppression, which may lead to conditions like anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Patients should be monitored for low blood cell counts during treatment, especially if they have pre-existing hematologic disorders.
- Liver Disease: Caution should be taken in patients with hepatic impairment, as Zidovudine is metabolized by the liver. Liver function should be monitored regularly, especially in those with a history of hepatitis or cirrhosis.
- Renal Impairment: Zidovudine may accumulate in patients with severe renal impairment, requiring dose adjustments. Close monitoring is necessary in these patients.
- Pregnancy: Zidovudine is a Category C medication during pregnancy, meaning it may be used if the benefits outweigh the risks. It is often used to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before use.
- Breastfeeding: Zidovudine is excreted in breast milk, and the decision to use it during breastfeeding should be made with caution. It is typically recommended to avoid breastfeeding in HIV-positive mothers, as the drug can be transmitted through breast milk.
- Muscle Disorders: Zidovudine can cause myopathy and muscle weakness. Patients should be monitored for signs of muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, which can be a sign of a serious condition called lactic acidosis.

Zidovudine Indication - Uses and Benefits

Zidovudine is primarily prescribed for the following conditions:

- HIV Infection: Zidovudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) used to treat HIV/AIDS. It works by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which is essential for the replication of the HIV virus.
- Prevention of Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission: Zidovudine is used in pregnant women with HIV to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to the fetus during childbirth.
- Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): Zidovudine is sometimes used as part of a PEP regimen for individuals who have been exposed to HIV to prevent infection.

Zidovudine Contraindications - Important Warnings

Zidovudine is contraindicated in the following situations:

- Hypersensitivity: Zidovudine should not be used by patients who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to Zidovudine or any of its components.
- Severe Hepatic Impairment: Zidovudine should be avoided in patients with severe liver disease, as it may lead to further liver dysfunction and toxicity.
- Concurrent Use with Stavudine: The combination of Zidovudine with Stavudine, another NRTI, should be avoided as it can increase the risk of mitochondrial toxicity and cause significant side effects.
- Severe Renal Impairment: Zidovudine is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment without careful dose adjustments and monitoring.

Zidovudine Side Effects - What to Expect

Common and severe side effects associated with Zidovudine include:

- Common Side Effects:
- Nausea and vomiting: Gastrointestinal discomfort is common in patients taking Zidovudine, particularly at the beginning of treatment.
- Headache: Headaches are a frequent side effect.
- Fatigue: Many patients report feeling tired or weak during treatment with Zidovudine.
- Loss of appetite: Decreased appetite can occur, leading to potential weight loss.

- Severe Side Effects:
- Hematologic Toxicity: Zidovudine can cause anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia, which can lead to serious infections or bleeding. Regular blood tests should be done to monitor blood counts.
- Lactic Acidosis: Zidovudine may cause lactic acidosis, a life-threatening condition characterized by nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing. This is more common in patients with pre-existing liver disease or those using multiple antiretrovirals.
- Myopathy and Muscle Weakness: Zidovudine may cause muscle pain, weakness, and myopathy, especially when taken for long periods.
- Liver Toxicity: In some cases, Zidovudine can cause hepatotoxicity or fatty liver, leading to symptoms like jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), abdominal pain, or dark urine.

Zidovudine Pregnancy Category ID - Safety Information

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Zidovudine Mode of Action - How It Works

Zidovudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). It works by inhibiting the enzyme reverse transcriptase, which is essential for the replication of HIV. Reverse transcriptase converts viral RNA into DNA, allowing the virus to integrate into the host's genome. By blocking this process, Zidovudine prevents the replication of HIV, reducing the viral load and helping to control the infection.

- Incorporation into Viral DNA: Zidovudine is converted into its active form, Zidovudine triphosphate, in the body. It is then incorporated into the growing viral DNA chain during replication. Once incorporated, it causes premature termination of the DNA strand, preventing further replication of the virus.
- Effect on HIV: This inhibition of reverse transcriptase helps to lower HIV viral load, improving immune system function and reducing the progression to AIDS.

Zidovudine Drug Interactions - What to Avoid

Zidovudine may interact with several drugs, which can either increase or decrease its efficacy and safety:

- Other Antiretrovirals: Zidovudine should be used cautiously with other antiretroviral medications, especially those in the same class, such as lamivudine, as it may increase the risk of side effects like bone marrow suppression.
- Bone Marrow Suppressants: Zidovudine combined with other drugs that affect bone marrow function (e.g., ganciclovir, interferon) can exacerbate hematologic toxicity.
- Rifampin: Rifampin, a drug used to treat tuberculosis, can reduce Zidovudine levels by increasing the metabolism of the drug, potentially decreasing its effectiveness. This combination may require dose adjustments.
- Other Hepatotoxic Drugs: When used with drugs that are hepatotoxic (e.g., acetaminophen in high doses), Zidovudine may increase the risk of liver damage. Regular liver function tests should be conducted in such cases.
- Methadone: Co-administration of Zidovudine with methadone may result in increased Zidovudine concentrations, requiring dose adjustments.

Zidovudine Adult Dose - Recommended Dosage

The typical dose of Zidovudine for adults is:

- For HIV Infection: 300 mg twice daily, either in tablet or syrup form. It can be taken with or without food.
- For Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): A common regimen for post-exposure includes 200 mg every 4 hours for 4 weeks, in combination with other antiretroviral drugs.
- For Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission: Zidovudine is administered during labor to the mother, along with neonatal administration within 6-12 hours after birth.

Zidovudine Child Dose - Dosage for Children

The typical dose of Zidovudine in children varies based on age and weight:

- For HIV Infection (children 4 weeks and older):
- < 4 weeks old: Zidovudine is typically administered as AZT syrup 4 mg/kg every 12 hours.
- > 4 weeks old to 12 years old: A common dose is 4 mg/kg twice daily (with a maximum of 300 mg per dose).
- For Neonates (prevention of mother-to-child transmission): 2 mg/kg every 6 hours for the first 6-12 hours after birth.

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As with all medications, patients should consult their healthcare provider before starting Zidovudine to ensure it is appropriate for their condition, especially in the case of pre-existing health conditions or other medications being used. Regular monitoring of blood counts, liver, and kidney function is necessary during treatment.

Zidovudine Renal Dose - Dosage for Kidney Conditions

In patients with renal impairment, Zidovudine should be used with caution. Dose adjustments are typically required in cases of severe renal dysfunction (creatinine clearance < 15 mL/min). In moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance 15-50 mL/min), the dose of Zidovudine should be reduced to 200 mg twice daily.