Generic name: zidovudine (oral/injection) [ zye-DOE-vyoo-deen ]
Brand name: Retrovir
Dosage forms: intravenous solution (10 mg/mL); oral capsule (100 mg); oral syrup (50 mg/5 mL); oral tablet (300 mg)
Drug class:Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)
What is zidovudine?
Zidovudine is an antiviral medicine used to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Zidovudine is also given during pregnancy to prevent an HIV-infected woman from passing the virus to her baby. Zidovudine is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.
Zidovudine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. Get emergency medical help if you have unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, irregular heartbeats, dizziness, vomiting, or if you feel cold, tired, or very weak.
Zidovudine can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help circulate oxygen. Zidovudine can also cause severe or life-threatening effects on your liver.
Call your doctor if you have symptoms such as: fever, flu symptoms, unusual tiredness, mouth sores, pale skin, cold hands and feet, upper stomach pain, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Before taking this medicine
You should not use zidovudine if you are allergic to it.
You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. T...
