About zidovudine
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor
Used for
- Treatment of HIV-1 infection as part of combination therapy.
- Prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission.
- Prevention of HIV infection after occupational exposure, with other medicines.
Usual adult dose
IV treatment: 1 mg/kg every 4 hours, infused over 1 hour; dosing depends on the clinical setting.
Usual dose in children
IV dosing is weight- or body-surface-area-based and varies with age and indication; specialist guidance is required.
Common side effects
- Anaemia and other blood-cell abnormalities
- Nausea, vomiting, or headache
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Lactic acidosis or liver enlargement with fat accumulation, rarely
Important warnings
- Regular blood counts are needed; severe anaemia or low white-cell counts can occur.
- Long-term use may cause muscle weakness or loss of muscle tissue.
- Seek urgent assessment for unexplained rapid breathing, abdominal pain, or unusual weakness.
- Use with other HIV medicines; it does not cure HIV or prevent transmission by itself.
Pregnancy
Can be used during pregnancy when indicated; it has an established role in preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission.
Breastfeeding
HIV can pass through breast milk; breastfeeding recommendations depend on local guidance and clinical circumstances.
Interactions
- Ribavirin may worsen blood-cell effects; avoid combining unless specifically managed.
- Ganciclovir, interferon, or other marrow-suppressing medicines may increase blood-cell toxicity.
- Probenecid can increase zidovudine exposure.
- Stavudine may have reduced effectiveness when used with zidovudine.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.