Zidovudine, often called AZT, is one of the older antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV. It belongs to the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) class and helps reduce the amount of virus in the blood. Many people still use zidovudine today as part of combination therapy. It’s also been used to lower the risk of mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy and birth.
Doctors usually prescribe zidovudine as part of a multi-drug regimen, never alone. For most adults the common oral dose has historically been 300 mg twice daily, but your doctor will pick the exact dose and schedule based on your whole treatment plan. Zidovudine can be given by IV in specific situations, for example during labor in some protocols, but that’s handled in hospital settings.
Stick to the dose and timing your provider gives you. Missing doses makes the drug less effective and raises the chance the virus becomes resistant. If you forget a dose, check with your clinic or pharmacist about what to do — don’t guess.
Most people have mild side effects at first, like headache, nausea, or fatigue. The big safety issues to watch for are drops in red blood cells (anemia) and low white blood cells. Your clinic will usually order regular blood tests (CBC) to watch for this. Zidovudine can also cause liver enzyme changes and, rarely, a serious condition called lactic acidosis or liver fat accumulation. If you feel unusual muscle pain, severe stomach pain, fast breathing, or extreme tiredness, contact your provider quickly.
Certain drugs can make zidovudine’s blood effects worse. For example, combining it with other medicines that suppress bone marrow can raise the risk of anemia or low platelets. Antiviral drugs like ganciclovir or some hepatitis medicines may increase that risk. Also avoid starting or stopping other HIV meds without your team’s approval — interactions and resistance are real concerns.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: zidovudine has been widely used in pregnancy to lower transmission risk, but any use in pregnancy should be guided by an HIV specialist or your obstetrician. Don’t make changes on your own.
Storage and practical tips: keep tablets at room temperature away from moisture. If you have nausea, try taking the dose with a light snack unless your doctor says otherwise. Always carry a list of your meds and allergies to appointments. If side effects become bothersome, talk to your provider — there are often ways to adjust your regimen safely.
Bottom line: zidovudine is a proven part of HIV care when used correctly. Follow your clinic’s monitoring plan, report worrying symptoms fast, and never stop or change doses without advice from your healthcare team. If you have questions about interactions, pregnancy, or lab results, ask your provider or pharmacist — they can give guidance tailored to you.
Zidovudine, a groundbreaking antiretroviral drug, has significantly influenced the creation of new antiretroviral treatments. Its success in slowing down the progression of HIV has paved the way for further research and development in this field. The drug's mechanism of action has served as a blueprint for designing new drugs. Even with its side effects, zidovudine's impact on extending the lives of those with HIV cannot be understated. Truly, its development marked a significant turning point in the fight against HIV/AIDS.