Zidovudine Pharmacology

Zidovudine

About Zidovudine
Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor, thymidine analog, Antiretroviral.
Mechanism of Action of Zidovudine
Zidovudine is a Thymidine nucleoside analogue. It undergoes phosphorylation in the presence of Kinase enzyme and form Zidovudine triphosphate. This Zidovudine triphosphate competitively inhibit HIV reverse transcriptase enzyme which is responsible for the conversion of viral RNA to pro viral DNA and is then added to host cell chromosome. Zidovudine triphosphate terminates elongation of pro viral DNA and results in inhibition of viral replication.
Pharmacokinets of Zidovudine
Absorption: It is rapidly absorbed after oral administration.
Distribution: It is widely distributed in the body.
Metabolism: It undergoes rapid metabolism in the liver.
Excretion: It is excreted in urine.
Onset of Action for Zidovudine
30 - 90 minutes
Duration of Action for Zidovudine
N/A
Half Life of Zidovudine
60 minutes
Side Effects of Zidovudine
1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Diarrhoea
4. Anorexia
5. Headache
6. Dizziness
7. Anaemia
8. Agranulocytosis
9. Thrombocytopenia
10. Myalgia
11. Rash
Contra-indications of Zidovudine
1. Hypersensitivity to Zidovudine
Special Precautions while taking Zidovudine
1. Renal impairment
2. Hepatic dysfunction (Hepatitis, hepatomegaly)
3. Patient with severe bone marrow suppression
4. Pre existing anaemia
5. Granulocytopenia
Pregnancy Related Information
Use with caution
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated
Children Related Information
May be used
NEONATES : Contraindicated
Indications for Zidovudine
1. HIV infections
Interactions for Zidovudine
Dapsone, Pentamidine, Amphotericin B, Flucytosine, Vincristine, Vinblastine, Adriamycin, Interferon: Concomitant use with drugs that are nephrotoxic, cytotoxic or myelosuppressive may increase toxicity risk.
Trimethoprim:The serum levels of Zidovudine and its metabolite may be increased.
Probenecid:Toxicity of either drug may be potentiated.
Acetaminophen: Increased incidence of granulocytopenia.
Acyclovir: Concomitant use may result in neurotoxicity.
Phenytoin: Altered phenytoin levels. Zidovudine clearance decreased by phenytoin.

Typical Dosage for Zidovudine
Adult: 600 mg / day in 2 - 3 divided dose
Asymptomatic HIV infection and for preventing HIV transmission from mother to fetus: 100 mg 5 times daily; should be taken every 4 hours.
Children: 720 mg / sq.metre / day in 4 divided dose in equal interval
Schedule of Zidovudine
H
Storage Requirements for Zidovudine
Store it at 15 -25 degree C in a tightly closed container . Protect away from heat and light. Keep out of the reach of children.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Zidovudine
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time to take the next dose then skip the missed dose and do not double the dose.
Effects of Overdose of Zidovudine
Give supportive measures and treatment.

Home Delivery for Zidovudine in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including zidovudine.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for zidovudine and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for zidovudine may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take zidovudine only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for zidovudine before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for zidovudine with the pharmacy.

Zidovudine is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for zidovudine might be better known than zidovudine itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have zidovudine in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for zidovudine.