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Medindia » Medication Manual » Zidovudine

Zidovudine

Latest prescription information about Zidovudine. Learn how to pronounce the drug’s name, its indications, dosage, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, its storage instructions and warnings if any when taken during pregnancy. Also listed are the International and Indian trade name(s) of the drug and its price list.

Generic Name : Zidovudine

Pronunciation : zye doe' vue deen

Therapeutic Classification : Antiretroviral Agents

ICD Code : Y41.5

Trade Name(s):
India- Retrovir, Viro-Z, Zidine, Zidine 100, Zidine 300, Zidomax, Zidovir, Zilion, Zivudin, Zvd, Zydowin, Zido-H Soln.
International- Retrovir.

Why it is prescribed (Indications) :
This medication is an antiretroviral agent, prescribed for HIV/AIDS. It works by decreasing the amount of HIV in the blood.

When it is not to be taken (Contraindications): Hypersensitivity.

Pregnancy Category :

A B C D X

Category C : Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Dosage & When it is to be taken :
Adult- PO- The recommended dose is 600mg/day in divided doses.

How it should be taken :
It comes as a capsule and syrup to take by mouth, with or without food.

Warnings and Precautions :
* Caution should be exercised in patients with history of bone marrow depression, low blood counts, liver, kidney diseases, obesity, any allergy, who are taking other medications, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
* Avoid contact with people who have infections.
* Avoid sexual contact with your partner in order to avoid transmission of HIV infection.
* Monitor liver, kidney functions, and complete blood cell counts while taking this medication.

Side Effects :
Body as a Whole - Weakness, headache, uneasiness, fever, back, chest pain, flu-like syndrome and generalized pain.
Gastrointestinal - Loss of appetite, constipation, nausea, vomiting, liver, diarrhea, mouth ulcer, indigestion and flatulence.
Heart - Heart disease and fainting.
Blood - Anemia, decrease in white blood cells and platelets.
Musculoskeletal - Muscle pain/inflammation.
Central Nervous System - Anxiety, confusion, depression, dizziness, loss of mental acuity, tingling, seizures, drowsiness and unsteadiness.
Respiratory - Difficulty in breathing, Cough, abnormal breath sounds/wheezing unny nose and sinus inflammation.
Skin - Changes in skin and nail pigmentation, itching, skin death, rash, hives and increased sweating.
Eye and ENT - Hearing loss, eye swelling, sensitivity to light and taste perversion.
Genitourinary - Urinary frequency and urinary hesitancy, breast enlargement in male.

Other Precautions :
* Avoid excess dosage.

Storage Conditions :
Store it at room temperature and away from light.