When working with Zidovudine, a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) used to treat HIV infection. Also known as AZT, it blocks the viral enzyme reverse transcriptase, stopping the virus from copying its genetic material. This makes Zidovudine a cornerstone of HIV, the virus that attacks the immune system and leads to AIDS management. Because it belongs to the NRTI class, it works best when paired with other antiretrovirals in a comprehensive ART, antiretroviral therapy regimens that suppress viral load. In short, Zidovudine‑based therapy reduces HIV replication, improves immune function, and lowers the risk of opportun‑state infections.
One of the first semantic connections you’ll notice is that Zidovudine requires regular blood monitoring. The drug can cause bone‑marrow suppression, resulting in anemia or neutropenia, so clinicians often check hemoglobin and white‑cell counts every one to two months during the first six months. This monitoring step enables early detection of side effects and lets doctors adjust the dose before serious complications arise. Another key link is that Zidovudine is frequently combined with lamivudine, another NRTI that improves tolerability or with protease inhibitors to form a high‑potency triple‑drug regimen. Those combos enhance viral suppression and reduce the chance of resistance developing.
If you’re starting Zidovudine, the typical adult dose is 300 mg twice daily, taken with food to lessen stomach upset. For pregnant women living with HIV, the dose may be adjusted to protect the unborn child while keeping maternal viral load low. Patients often ask about drug interactions—Zidovudine can be affected by medications that alter liver enzymes, such as certain antiepileptics or azole antifungals, so a medication review is a must before adding new prescriptions. Lifestyle factors matter too: alcohol can worsen anemia, and smoking may increase cardiovascular risk, which is already a concern for some on long‑term Zidovudine.
Beyond safety, Zidovudine has a unique place in prevention. When used as part of pre‑exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in high‑risk populations, it adds an extra layer of protection, especially where newer agents are unavailable or cost‑prohibitive. Researchers also explore low‑dose Zidovudine for reducing HIV transmission from mother to child during delivery—a strategy that has cut transmission rates dramatically in low‑resource settings. All these uses illustrate how Zidovudine interacts with public‑health initiatives, clinical protocols, and individual treatment goals.
Below you’ll find a curated set of articles that dive deeper into each of these areas: dosing nuances, side‑effect management, combination strategies, and real‑world patient experiences. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or health‑care professional, the collection offers actionable insights to help you make the most of Zidovudine therapy.
A 2025 guide comparing Retrovir (Zidovudine) with newer HIV drugs, covering efficacy, side effects, costs, and when each option is best.
