Manufacturer: Cipla, India
Pharmaceutical name: Retrovir
Pack: 1 tab (100 mg)
Zidovudine is a medication that can be taken orally or administered via injection, utilized in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. It belongs to a group of drugs known as reverse transcriptase inhibitors, which also encompasses zalcitabine, stavudine, didanosine, and lamivudine.
In the context of an HIV infection, the virus replicates within the cells of the body. These newly created viruses are then released from the cells and disseminate throughout the body, infecting other cells. Thus, the infection spreads continuously to new, uninfected cells that the body is perpetually generating, leading to the ongoing presence of HIV in the body. For the creation of new viruses, the HIV virus needs to produce new DNA for each individual virus. Reverse transcriptase is the enzyme utilized by the virus to generate this new DNA.
Zidovudine works by inhibiting the function of reverse transcriptase, thereby obstructing the synthesis of DNA and the formation of new viruses. In particular, zidovudine is metabolized in the body to its active form (zidovudine triphosphate), which closely resembles thymidine triphosphate, a necessary chemical for the HIV virus to synthesize new DNA. The reverse transcriptase employs zidovudine triphosphate in place of thymidine triphosphate for DNA synthesis, and it is this zidovudine triphosphate that disrupts the activity of reverse transcriptase. It is important to note that zidovudine does not eliminate existing HIV viruses and is not a cure for HIV.
The risk of developing an enlarged liver and lactic acidosis increases with zidovudine treatment, particularly in overweight individuals and those undergoing prolonged therapy. If these conditions arise, zidovudine treatment should be halted.
Should you notice symptoms such as fatigue, abdominal discomfort, nausea, or general malaise, contact your doctor immediately. This medication does not prevent HIV transmission during sexual contact or through blood exposure. Caution is advised for patients with bone marrow disorders, low T-helper cell counts, reduced bone marrow reserve prior to treatment, neutropenia, anemia, or vitamin B12 deficiency. HIV medications may lead to changes in body fat distribution, including a "buffalo hump" on the back, increased abdominal fat, and wasting in the limbs and face.
The most serious side effects include a decrease in blood cell count, muscle pain (myopathy), liver enlargement (hepatomegaly), and metabolic issues (lactic acidosis). Additional side effects may encompass chills, rashes, confusion, dizziness, headaches, diarrhea, nausea, and weight loss.