Zidovudine
Form: Syrup
Strength: 50mg/5ml
Generic Name: Zidovudine
Company: EDCL
MRP:৳ 0.0 (Syrup)
Is Antibiotic: No
Indications
Zidovudine is used along with other medicines to treat HIV-1 infection.
Zidovudine is also used to prevent the transmission of HIV-1 from mother to baby during pregnancy. This involves:
- Treatment of HIV-1-infected mothers before delivery
- Treatment of HIV-1-infected mothers during delivery
- Treatment of the baby after birth
Before starting Zidovudine during pregnancy, some things to consider are:
- Zidovudine should generally be used with other HIV medicines during pregnancy.
- Zidovudine is not fully known how safe Zidovudine is for women who have been taking Zidovudine before pregnancy.
- Zidovudine is better not to start using Zidovudine during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy unless absolutely needed, as this is when the baby is most vulnerable.
- Zidovudine is recommended to start after 14 weeks of pregnancy.
Pharmacology
Zidovudine is changed inside the body into a form that blocks the replication of HIV by stopping the virus from copying its genetic material.
Dosage & Administration
For preventing HIV infection in newborns:
Child: 2 mg per kg of body weight every 6 hours, starting within 12 hours after birth and continuing for 6 weeks.
For treating HIV infection:
- Adults: 250 mg or 300 mg twice a day, with other HIV medicines.
- Children: Dosage varies based on weight and age. For example, children weighing 9-30 kg may take 100 mg twice a day.
For preventing HIV transmission from mother to baby:
Adults: 100 mg five times a day, starting at the 14th week of pregnancy until delivery.
Interaction
Zidovudine may interact with other medicines, leading to changes in its effectiveness or side effects. For example:
- Rifampicin can lower its levels, making Zidovudine less effective.
- Ribavirin may increase the risk of anemia in patients with both HIV and Hepatitis C.
- Other drugs like probenecid, atovaquone, and methadone can raise its levels.
- Its effectiveness may decrease if taken with clarithromycin.
Contraindications
Zidovudine is not recommended for people with allergies to Zidovudine, very low blood counts, or certain liver conditions. Zidovudine should also not be used during breastfeeding or with some other treatments like interferon alfa in HIV or Hepatitis B/C patients.
Side Effects
Zidovudine can cause mild side effects such as dizziness, headache, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue. Other possible effects include muscle pain, liver enzyme changes, and jaundice. In rare cases, serious side effects like blood problems or heart issues may occur.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Zidovudine is categorized as a pregnancy category C medicine. This means Zidovudine may harm the baby, but the benefits could outweigh the risks in certain situations. Zidovudine should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary and after careful consideration.
Precautions & Warnings
Zidovudine should be used with caution in people with severe liver or kidney problems. Zidovudine should also be carefully monitored in pregnant women and children.
Overdose Effects
Overdose symptoms may include vomiting, dizziness, confusion, low red blood cell count, and liver issues. Treatment involves supportive care, and activated charcoal may be given to prevent further absorption.
Therapeutic Class
Zidovudine belongs to the class of medicines used to treat HIV/AIDS.
Storage Conditions
Store between 15-25°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.