$Unique_ID{BRK03380}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{zidovudine (AZT)}
$Subject{Retrovir Burroughs Wellcome antiviral azidothymidine AZT human
immunodeficiency virus HIV AIDS delay infections diseases zidovudine}
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Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


zidovudine (AZT)
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Retrovir (Burroughs Wellcome)

TYPE OF DRUG

     antiviral

INGREDIENT

     azidothymidine (AZT)

DOSAGE FORMS

     Capsules (100 mg)
     Syrup (50 mg per ml)

STORAGE

     Zidovudine capsules and syrup should be stored at room temperature in
tightly closed, light-resistant containers.  This drug should not be frozen.

USES

     Zidovudine is used in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
infection.  HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.  Zidovudine works by inhibiting
the reproduction, or growth, of the virus, which slows down the progression of
AIDS.  Zidovudine does not cure AIDS but may delay the onset of other
infections and diseases caused by AIDS.

TREATMENT

     This medication works best when the level of medicine in your bloodstream
is kept constant.  It is best to take the drug at evenly spaced intervals
throughout the day.
     If you are using the zidovudine syrup, use a special measuring spoon to
measure the doses.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible.
However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go
back to your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the doses.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Blue or brown bands on nails, difficulty sleeping, headache, muscle
soreness, or nausea.  Some of these side effects may go away during treatment
as your body adjusts to the medicine.

     Major.

     Abdominal discomfort, chills, confusion, convulsions, fever, loss of
appetite, mania, muscle tenderness or weakness, pale skin, sore throat, or
unusual tiredness.

INTERACTIONS

     Zidovudine interacts with several other drugs.
     1. Concurrent use of some other antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral
agents may increase toxicity of zidovudine.
     2. Methadone can interfere with your body's ability to eliminate
zidovudine and may increase toxicity of zidovudine.
     3. Zidovudine can alter the level of phenytoin in your body.
     Be sure to tell your doctor about any medication you are currently
taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially zidovudine.  Also tell your doctor about any
allergic reaction you have had to any foods, preservatives, or dyes.
     * You may require periodic blood sample checks at your physician's office
to monitor the effects of zidovudine.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you have anemia, liver disease, or
vitamin deficiencies.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, tell
your doctor or dentist that you are taking this drug.
     * If you are infected with HIV, it is best to avoid any sexual activity
involving an exchange of body fluids with other people.  If you do have
vaginal, anal or oral sex, always wear (or have your partner wear) a latex
condom.
     * If you inject drugs, do not share needles with anyone.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if your are pregnant.  Tell your doctor if
your are breast-feeding an infant.  It is not known if zidovudine passes into
breast milk, but HIV or the AIDS virus can be transmitted through breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.