Zidovudine

Brand names

• Combivir
• Retrovir

Usage

To treat HIV infection in combination with other medicaments and to prevent passage of the virus from pregnant women to their babies. While not a cure for HIV, this medicament may suppress replication of the virus and delay the progression of the disease. Also used to treat HIV-related dementia and HIV-related thrombocytopenia (low platelet count).

How it works

Zidovudine (AZT) interferes with the activity of enzymes needed for the replication of DNA in viral cells, thus preventing the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from reproducing.

Side effects

Serious

Anemia (low red blood cell count), causing paleness, fatigue, or shortness of breath; fever. If such symptoms occur, call your doctor right away.

Common

Headaches, nausea, muscle aches, insomnia, mood swings, stomach upset, loss of appetite.

Less common

Bands of discoloration on the fingernails; hepatitis (liver inflammation, which may cause yellowish discoloration of skin and eyes).

Possible interactions

Other medicaments:

The following medicaments may increase the effects of zidovudine and enhance its toxicity:

• acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
• acyclovir (Zovirax).
• amphotericin B (Fungizone).
• aspirin.
• benzodiazepines.
• cimetidine (Tagamet).
• fluconazole (Diflucan).
• ganciclovir (Cytovene).
• indomethacin.
• interferon alpha, beta-1-A and natural.
• methadone (Dolophine).
• morphine (various).
• probenecid (Benemid).
• sulfonamides.

Zidovudine taken concurrently with:



• dapsone may suppress bone marrow and increase risk of blood (hematologic) toxicity.
• didanosine may result in increased risk of myelosuppression.
• filgrastim (Neupogen) may help maintain the white blood cell count.
• nimodipine (Nimotop) can increase toxicity to nerves.
• other nucleoside analogs for HIV may lower the ability of other HIV treatment requiring phosphorylation to become active.
• rifampin (Rifadin) can lead to decreased zidovudine blood levels.
• ritonavir (Norvir) may lower zidovudine levels.
• stavudine (D4T) may lessen effectiveness, as both agents are cell cycle specific.
• trimexate may cause additive hematological 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.