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molecule

Zidovudine

Molecule Description

Zidovudine is 'Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor' (NRTI) type of antir

etroviral medicine. This medicine is used with other HIV medications to help control HIV infection. It helps to decrease the amount of HIV in your body so that your immune system can work better.

uses

Uses of Zidovudine

  • Treating HIV infection when used along with other medications
  • It is also used along with some other medication to help prevent women from passing HIV to the baby (foetus) during pregnancy
contraindications

Contraindications of Zidovudine

When should one not use Zidovudine

  • Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to Zidovudine
  • Your white blood cell count and red blood cell count is meager
sideEffects

Side effects of Zidovudine

Common side effects of this drug are:

  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loose motions
  • Pain in the stomach
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle pain
precautionsAndWarnings

Precautions and Warnings of Zidovudine

pregnancy

Pregnancy

Q:
Can I take Zidovudine during pregnancy?
A:
If this medicine is used in HIV positive pregnant women, it prevents passing HIV to the unborn baby. Regular investigations are necessary to monitor the growth of an unborn baby.
breastfeeding

Breast Feeding

Q:
Can I take Zidovudine while breastfeeding?
A:
HIV infection can pass through breast milk to the baby. Also, this medicine passes in breast milk, therefore avoid breastfeeding when on this medicine. Consult your doctor for advice.
driving

Driving

Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Zidovudine?
A:
Zidovudine can cause dizziness and decreased alertness, therefore avoid driving when you are on this medication.
alcohol

Alcohol

Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Zidovudine?
A:
Alcohol can have an ill effect on bones when on this medication, therefore, avoid drinking alcohol.
otherGeneralWarnings

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if
You have liver disease, or your weight is more than average.
modeOfAction

Mode of Action of Zidovudine

How Does It Work?

It works by blocking the multiplication of HIV by inhibiting specific mechanisms at the level of viral RNA.
interactions

Interactions of Zidovudine

Interactions with other medicines

  • Medicines which suppress bone marrow such as Ganciclovir, Dapsone, Trimethoprim
  • Medicines that may affect the kidneys (including NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen)
  • Lorazepam, Sulfamethoxazole/ Trimethoprim, Lamivudine, Rosuvastatin and Duloxetine

Interactions with food items

Continue your regular diet unless your doctor tells you to follow any particular diet.
dietaryRestrictions

Dietary Restrictions of Zidovudine

No information is available on dietary restrictions while you are taking this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further details.
dosage

Dosage of Zidovudine

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose are extreme drowsiness, tiredness, headache and confusion. Consult with your doctor as soon as possible.

Missed a Dose

It would be best if you took the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, but do not take extra medicine to make up for the skipped ...
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Content Details

WRITTEN BY
REVIEWED BY
doctor

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

^

Q: What should be discussed with my healthcare provider before taking Zidovudine?

  • Tell your doctor if you have any of the medical conditions:
  • If you have any history of allergy to medicine, food
  • If you have bone marrow problems (e.g. low white blood cell or haemoglobin levels) or lactic acidosis
  • If you have a history of alcohol abuse or dependence, kidney problems, pancreatitis or Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection or other liver problems (e.g., cirrhosis)
  • If you are on dialysis, you are at risk for liver problems or you are very overweight

Q: Should Zidovudine be taken on an empty stomach?

A: Take Zidovudine with food as this increases the absorption of the medication into the body and enhances the efficiency of it.

Q: Are any lab tests required during this medication?

A: During treatment and for at least five to six months after stopping this medicine, regular blood tests are needed to monitor your liver function and blood cell count in your blood.
Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here  for detailed T&C.
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