Zidovudine medication belong to Antiretroviral/Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor class. Zidovudine inhibits replication of retroviruses including HIV.



How to Take Zidovudine

Take Zidovudine exactly as prescribed by health care provider. Zidovudine is generally available in market in the form Blisters of powder for oral inhalation 5 mg. After dilution, the solution is physically and chemically stable for 24 hr at room temperature and 48 hr if refrigerated. As an additional precaution, administer the diluted solution within 8 hr if stored at room temperature or 24 hr if refrigerated to minimize the potential administration of a microbially contaminated solution. Store undiluted vials at room temperature and protect from light. Do not administer with probenecid, acetaminophen, aspirin, or indomethacin (may inhibit metabolism or decrease clearance of zidovudine; serum concentrations may increase to potentially toxic levels).

Dosage Instructions for Zidovudine Drug

In combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV infections; prevention of maternal-fetal HIV transmission. Life-threatening hypersensitivity to any component.

Interactions of Zidovudine with other drugs

Acetaminophen, nelfinavir, ribavirin, rifamycin, ritonavir, stavudine: May decrease zidovudine serum concentrations, reducing the therapeutic effect.

Acyclovir: Possible increased risk of neurotoxicity (lethargy or seizure).

Adriamycin, amphotericin B, dapsone, flucytosine, interferon, pentamidine, vinblastine, vincristine: May increase risk of toxicity, including nephrotoxicity, cytotoxicity, or hematologic toxicity.

Aspirin, atovaquone, fluconazole, indomethacin, methadone, probenecid, trimethoprim, valproic acid: May increase serum concentration and potential toxicity of zidovudine.

Doxorubicin: May antagonize the effect of zidovudine.

Experimental nucleoside analogs: May affect RBC/WBC counts or function and may increase potential for hematologic toxicity.

Ganciclovir: Life-threatening hematologic toxicity may occur.

What are the Side Effects of Zidovudine -

Like other medicines, Zidovudine can cause side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Zidovudine include

* Headache; dizziness; insomnia; paresthesia; malaise; asthenia; decreased reflexes; nervousness or irritability.

* Anorexia; constipation; dyspepsia; nausea; vomiting; dysphagia; flatulence; bleeding of the gums; rectal hemorrhage; mouth ulcers; edema of the tongue; eructation; abdominal pain.

* Dyspnea; cough; epistaxis; pharyngitis; rhinitis; sinusitis; hoarseness.

* Fever, diaphoresis; myalgia; arthralgia; muscle spasm; body odor; chills; edema of the lip; flu syndrome; hyperalgesia; abdominal/back/chest pain; hypersensitivity reaction; anemia, neutropenia (infants).

Warnings and precautions before taking Zidovudine :

* Neutropenia and severe anemia, particularly in patients with advanced HIV disease have been reported. Myopathy has been associated with prolonged use. Lactic acidosis and hepatomegaly with steatosis (including fatal cases) have been reported with the use of nucleoside analogues alone or in combination with other antiretrovirals.

* Advise patient before taking Zidovudine not to share medication and not to exceed the recommended dose.

* Inform patient that fever, sore throat, shortness of breath, and dizziness require immediate attention by health care provider. These may be signs of severe anemia or decreased WBCs and may indicate need for blood transfusion.

* Tell patient before taking Zidovudine to notify health care provider of headache, insomnia, nausea, muscle aches, dyspnea, numbness or tingling, nervousness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, GI pain, vomiting, rash, excessive sweating, swelling of feet and legs, and taste perversions.

* Tell patient to protect medication from light during storage.

* Advise patient before taking Zidovudine that drug may cause drowsiness and to use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness.

* Advise patient that zidovudine therapy has not been shown to reduce the risk of transmission of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination.

* Advise pregnant women before taking Zidovudine considering use of the drug to prevent maternal-fetal transmission of HIV that transmission may still occur in some cases despite therapy. Long-term consequences of in utero and infant exposure are unknown.

* Caution patient before taking Zidovudine to inform the health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

What if Overdose of Zidovudine ?

If you think you or anyone else taken overdose of Zidovudine , immediately telephone your doctor or contact your local or regional Poisons Information Centre Seek medical attention immediately. You may need urgent medical attention. Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headache, hematologic changes are may be the overdose symptoms of Zidovudine .

What if Missed Dose of Zidovudine ?

If you miss a dose of Zidovudine medicine and you remember within an hour or so, take the dose immediately. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage Conditions for Zidovudine :

Store Zidovudine capsules at room temperature in a tight, light-resistant container. Protect from heat and moisture. Store Zidovudine syrup at room temperature. Protect from light. Do not mix with biologic or colloidal fluids (eg, blood products, protein solutions).