Zidovudine

Zidovudine, also known as Retrovir, is an antiretroviral medication used for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. It belongs to a class of drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), which work by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme necessary for the HIV virus to replicate and spread within the body.
Zidovudine is typically prescribed as a component of a combination therapy, known as Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), alongside other antiretroviral drugs. This multi-drug approach helps to suppress the viral load, strengthen the immune system, and prevent the progression of HIV to more advanced stages, such as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
In addition to its use in HIV treatment, Zidovudine is also employed for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Pregnant women with HIV infection are often prescribed the drug to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to their newborns during childbirth and breastfeeding.
Follow the prescribed dosage and schedule closely, and not to discontinue the medication without consulting a healthcare professional. Zidovudine may cause side effects such as anemia, fatigue, headache, and nausea, which can be managed with medical supervision. Regular monitoring of blood count and liver function is necessary during treatment to ensure patient safety.