Zidovudine is an antiretroviral drug widely used in the treatment of HIV patients to decrease the chances of developing infections and is not a cure for the disease.
Zidovudine may be purchased from conventional pharmacies under the trade name Retrovir AZT, Zidovir or Revirax, for example in the form of syrup or tablets.
Indications for zidovudine
Zidovudine is indicated for the treatment of patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). In addition, it can also be used prophylactically in individuals at high risk of acquiring HIV from occupational exposure.
How to use zidovudine
The mode of use of zidovudine consists of taking 100 mg every 4 hours, up to 600 mg per day. In children, the dose should be calculated and indicated by the pediatrician.
Side effects of zidovudine
The main side effects of zidovudine include anemia, changes in blood test, headache, excessive tiredness, chills, lip swelling, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, gas, mouth ulcers, rectal haemorrhage, joint pain, cough, feeling of shortness of breath and acne.
Contraindications of zidovudine
Zidovudine is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to zidovudine or any of the other ingredients of the drug formulation.
