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General Medication Fact Sheet for Zidovudine
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Zidovudine |
| Brand Name Versions | Retrovir |
| Boxed/Label Warning | Zidovudine can cause serious blood disorders, including neutropenia (low white blood cell count) and anemia (low red blood cell count). It can also cause symptomatic myopathy (muscle weakness and pain) with prolonged use. |
| Purpose | Antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV infection |
| Mechanism of Action | Inhibits reverse transcriptase, an enzyme crucial for HIV replication |
| Dosage Forms | Oral capsules, oral tablets, oral syrup, IV injection |
| Available Strengths | Capsules: 100 mg; Tablets: 300 mg; Syrup: 10 mg/mL; IV: 10 mg/mL |
| Dosage Frequency | Typically twice daily, or as directed by a healthcare provider |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite |
| Serious Side Effects | Anemia, neutropenia, lactic acidosis, liver problems, myopathy |
| Drug Interactions | Ganciclovir, ribavirin, stavudine, acetaminophen (high doses), probenecid |
| Important Notes | Take exactly as prescribed. Regular blood tests are required to monitor for side effects. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience muscle weakness or persistent nausea. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light. Keep oral solution tightly closed. |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember; skip if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Tenofovir, Emtricitabine, Abacavir, Lamivudine |
Zidovudine Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tenofovir | Nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NtRTI) | Often used as a component of combination HIV therapy. |
| Emtricitabine | Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) | Another common component of combination HIV therapy. |
| Abacavir</td> <td>Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) | Requires genetic testing (HLA-B*5701) before use due to hypersensitivity risk. | |
| Lamivudine</td> <td>Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) | Similar mechanism to zidovudine but often better tolerated. |
Zidovudine Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Anemia (low red blood cell count) |
| Headache | Neutropenia (low white blood cell count) |
| Fatigue | Lactic acidosis (build-up of lactic acid in the blood) |
| Loss of appetite | Liver problems |
| Diarrhea | Myopathy (muscle weakness and pain) |
Zidovudine Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIV Infection (Adults) | 300 mg | 300 mg twice daily or 200 mg three times daily | May be taken with or without food. |
| HIV Infection (Pediatric) | Varies by weight | Varies by weight | Refer to specific dosing guidelines based on child’s weight and age. |
| Prevention of Maternal-Fetal HIV Transmission | 300 mg | 300 mg twice daily during pregnancy and labor | Administered to mother during pregnancy and labor; also given to the newborn after birth. |
Zidovudine Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $10 – $100 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $500 – $800 |
| From CPS | $65 |
