Zidovudine

zidovudine (zy-DOH-vyoo-DEEN) is a drug that inhibits the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS. It is a type of systemic antiviral. Also called AZT.

Information about Zidovudine[edit source]

Zidovudine is a nucleoside analogue and reverse transcriptase inhibitor used in combination with other agents in the therapy and prophylaxis of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Liver safety of Zidovudine[edit source]

Zidovudine is a rare, but well established cause of clinically apparent liver injury.

Mechanism of action of Zidovudine[edit source]

Zidovudine (zye doe' vue deen) is a synthetic analogue of thymidine (3’-azido-3’- deoxythymidine: AZT) that is phosphorylated intracellularly and then acts in competing with the natural substrate, thymidine triphosphate, for incorporation into growing HIV DNA chain causing inhibition of the viral reverse transcriptase and chain termination.

AZT pills

History of Zidovudine[edit source]

Zidovudine was the first antiretroviral agent that was approved for use in treating HIV infection in the United States [1987] and was subsequently frequently used in antiretroviral regimens for many years. Recently, zidovudine has been replaced by better tolerated nucleoside analogues and it is no longer commonly used in developed countries.

Clinical use of Zidovudine[edit source]

Zidovudine is currently indicated for the treatment of HIV infection in combination with other HIV medications such as lamivudine and abacavir.

Zidovudine-3D-balls

Dosage and administration for Zidovudine[edit source]

Zidovudine is available as a single agent in multiple generic forms and under the trade name Retrovir in 100 mg capsules, 300 mg tablets, and as an oral syrup; in combination with lamivudine as Combivir; and in combination with abacavir and lamivudine as Trizivir. The recommended dose of zidovudine in adults is 600 mg orally, daily or 1 mg/kg every 4 hours.

Side effects of Zidovudine[edit source]

Common side effects include asthenia, constipation, headache, insomnia, loss of appetite, malaise, nausea, and vomiting.

Antiviral agents[edit source]

Drugs for HIV Infection, in the Subclass Antiretroviral Agents

Fusion Inhibitors (HIV)
- Enfuvirtide, Maraviroc

Integrase Inhibitors (HIV)
- Dolutegravir, Elvitegravir, Raltegravir

Monoclonal Antibodies
- Ibalizumab

Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (HIV)
- Delavirdine, Efavirenz, Etravirine, Nevirapine, Rilpivirine

Nucleoside Analogues (HIV)
- Abacavir, Didanosine, Emtricitabine, Lamivudine, Stavudine, Tenofovir, Zidovudine

Protease Inhibitors (HIV)
- Amprenavir, Atazanavir, Darunavir, Fosamprenavir, Indinavir, Lopinavir, Nelfinavir,Ritonavir, Saquinavir, Tipranavir

Drugs for Hepatitis B

- Alpha Interferon, Adefovir, Emtricitabine, Entecavir, Lamivudine, Telbivudine, Tenofovir

Drugs for Hepatitis C

Interferon Based Therapies
- Alpha Interferon and Peginterferon, Ribavirin

HCV NS5A Inhibitors

Daclatasvir, Elbasvir, Ledipasvir, Ombitasvir, Pibrentasvir, Velpatasvir

HCV NS5B (Polymerase) Inhibitors

Dasabuvir, Sofosbuvir

HCV Protease Inhibitors

Asunaprevir, Boceprevir, Glecaprevir, Grazoprevir, Paritaprevir, Simeprevir, Telaprevir, Voxilaprevir

Combination Therapies

Epclusa, Harvoni, Mavyret, Technive, Viekira Pak, Vosevi, Zepatier

Drugs for Herpes Virus Infections (HSV, CMV, others)

Acyclovir, Cidofovir, Famciclovir, Foscarnet, Ganciclovir, Valacyclovir, Valganciclovir

Drugs for Influenza

Amantadine, Oseltamivir, Peramivir, Rimantadine, Zanamivir

Zidovudine Resources
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