Zalcitabine

Brand names

• Hivid

Usage

To treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection, usually in combination with other antiretroviral medicaments. While not a cure, such medications may suppress replication of the virus and delay the progression of the disease.

How it works

Zalcitabine (ddC) interferes with the activity of enzymes needed for the replication of DNA in viral cells, thus preventing the virus from reproducing.

Side effects

Serious

Burning, tingling, pain, or numbness in hands or feet, fever, muscle pain, joint pain, skin rash, ulcers in mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, yellow discoloration of eyes or skin.

Common

No common side effects have been reported.

Less common

Diarrhea, headache.

Possible interactions

Other medicaments:

Zalcitabine may increase the effects of:

• zidovudine (Retrovir) and enhance its antiviral effect against HIV-serious patient reactions to either of these medicines should be reported to the FDA.

Zalcitabine taken concurrently with:

• antacids (various) may blunt zalcitabine effectiveness.
• cimetidine (Tagamet) may result in toxic zalcitabine levels.
• didanosine (Videx) may result in additive neurotoxicity.
• metoclopramide (Reglan) may result in lowered blood levels of zalcitabine and reduced therapeutic benefits.
• other medicaments that cause neurotoxicity or pancreatitis may lead to addictive toxicity-these combinations are best avoided.
• pentamidine (Nebupent) may lead to increased risk of pancreatitis.
• probenecid (Benemid) may lead to zalcitabine toxicity.

Herbal medicines or minerals:

Some patients use Echinacea to attempt to boost their immune systems. Use of Echinacea is not recommended in people with damaged immune systems. This herb may also actually weaken any immune system if it is used too often or for too long a time.

Discontinuation:

Do not stop this medicament without your physician's knowledge and guidance.

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