Zidovudine

Dosage Forms Available

• Zidovudine is available for use in various formulations, such as tablets and solutions for oral consumption.

• Zidovudine is also available for administration through intravenous infusion as an injectable solution.

Age and Dose Restrictions

• Zidovudine is meant for use by both adults and children.

• The specific dose for children depends on their body weight.

• It is always used in combination with other HIV medicines.

Contraindications

• Zidovudine should not be used by patients who have allergies to it.

• It should also not be used by patients with a very low neutrophil count, a type of white blood cell.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Zidovudine can interact with other nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (e.g., stavudine and didanosine), some seizure medications (e.g., lacosamide and phenytoin), chemotherapy medications (e.g., mitotane and doxorubicin), methadone, ribavirin, and probenecid.

Overdose and Missed Dose

• An overdose of Zidovudine can lead to potentially serious side effects, including severe allergic reactions, lactic acidosis, severe liver problems, muscle weakness, and low red or white blood cell counts. If you suspect an overdose, consult your doctor immediately.

• If you miss a dose of Zidovudine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• To manage nausea and vomiting, try taking Zidovudine with food.

• Stay hydrated and rest to manage fatigue and headaches.

• If diarrhoea persists, drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Zidovudine might cause dizziness. If you feel dizzy after taking Zidovudine, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• Zidovudine is commonly used to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV during pregnancy under doctor's supervision.

• If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking Zidovudine.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Patients with liver or kidney disease should use Zidovudine with caution.

• Those with a history of pancreatitis or bone marrow suppression should also exercise caution while taking this medicine.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Maintain a balanced diet to manage potential side effects like loss of appetite and diarrhoea.

• Regularly monitor your health status, especially liver and kidney function, while taking Zidovudine.

• Practice safe sex to prevent spreading HIV to others. Zidovudine does not prevent the sexual transmission of HIV.

• Avoid sharing needles or other items that have blood or body fluids on them.