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