Can I still transmit my disease if I am on zidovudine?

Yes, zidovudine is used in combination with other medicines to treat a viral infection. They decrease the infection in the blood hence reduce your chances of being infected further. Maintaining proper lifestyle changes may decrease the risk of transmitting the virus to other people.

How does zidovudine work?

zidovudine is an antiviral medication. It prevents the multiplication of virus in human cells. This stops the virus from producing new viruses and clears up your infection.

What should I do if I fall sick while using zidovudine?

If you fall sick while using zidovudine, tell your doctor immediately. If you do not start treating your infection, it might get more difficult to treat it.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is just a few hours until your next dose, wait and take your normal dose at the usual time. It is important to note that taking this drug at the same time every day increases your ability to keep the virus under control. If you don’t, you risk worsened infection.

Zidovudine

Uses of Zidovudine

Zidovudine is commonly used to treat HIV Infection

How Zidovudine Works

Zidovudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor which is used to inhibit the reverse transcriptase enzyme found in the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and terminate the viral DNA synthesis.

Side Effects of Zidovudine

Dizziness, Headache, Muscle ache, Gut disturbances, Liver dysfunction, Lipodystrophy, Immune reconstitution syndrome

Information About Zidovudine

Zidovudine is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used as part of combination antiretroviral therapy for HIV-1 infection and prevention of mother-to-child transmission in Singapore. Available as a 250mg–300mg oral capsule taken twice daily or as an intravenous infusion for obstetric use, it is HSA-registered and available on prescription only in Singapore. Regular full blood count monitoring is essential during therapy as zidovudine causes dose-dependent macrocytic anaemia and neutropenia — haemoglobin below 7.5g/dL or neutrophils below 0.75 × 10⁹/L require dose interruption or substitution. A valid doctor's consultation is required before dispensing. Order Zidovudine online at DoctorOnCall Singapore with same-day delivery available. Speak to a DoctorOnCall physician today to check if Zidovudine is right for you.

Zidovudine is an antiviral medication commonly used as part of combination therapy to treat HIV infection and to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. It works by inhibiting reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that HIV needs to replicate, thereby slowing the progression of the virus in the body. Zidovudine belongs to a class of medications known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and is widely used in antiretroviral therapy. Find affordable Zidovudine options from trusted brands at DoctorOnCall.

Conclusion

Consult our doctors online for safe and effective use of Zidovudine tailored to your health needs. Find the best prices for affordable Zidovudine tablets, capsules, syrups, and intravenous formulations at DoctorOnCall Singapore.

Warnings

Kidney Use With Care

Dose adjustment is needed in patients with severe kidney impairment and patients under dialysis.

Alcohol Not Advisable

It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Zidovudine. Alcohol will further increase the risk of liver damage or lactic acidosis which may be life-threatening.

Pregnancy Not Safe

Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity findings. However, Zidovudine is proved to be effective in reducing rate of maternal-fetal transmission of HIV. Thus, the usage of Zidovudine has to be cautious during pregnancy and its dosage has to be decided by a doctor.

Driving Generally Safe

There are no studies of Zidovudine on the ability to drive. Do not drive unless you are feeling well.

Liver Use With Care

Dose adjustment is needed in patients with moderate to severe liver impairment.

Lactation Not Advisable

Zidovudine is found to be excreted in human breast milk. Breastfeeding is also not advisable in a HIV-infected mother to prevent transmission of HIV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by

Dr. Adeline Carol Peters, Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) — Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)

Reviewed by

Dr. Mohd Izzat Amir Bin Awang, Doctor of Medicine (MD), University of Mansoura - Manchester