ZIDOVUDINE (AZT)

Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) antiretroviral medicine

Dosage Forms

Tablet

300 mg

Fixed Drug Combination (FDC) Tablet

AZT 300 mg + 3TC 150 mg
AZT 60 mg + 3TC 30 mg
AZT 300 mg + 3TC 150 mg + NVP 200 mg
AZT 60 mg + 3TC 30 mg + NVP 20 mg

Uses

  • HIV/AIDS (second line to tenofovir)

Dose and Duration

HIV infection, alternative first line treatment (in combination with 3TC + NVP or 3TC + EFV)

Adult and child > 25 kg: 300 mg every 12 hours.

Child < 25 kg: use tablets with 60 mg AZT tablet as in the table below:

Weight (kg) No. of AZT 60 mg Tablets
20–24.9 3 tabs every 12 hours
14–19.9 2½ tabs every 12 hours
10–13.9 2 tabs every 12 hours
6–9.9 1½ tabs every 12 hours
3–5.9 1 tabs every 12 hours

Contra-indications

  • Anaemia
  • Low white blood cell count
  • Neonates with high blood bilirubin levels (jaundice)

Side Effects

  • Anaemia
  • Taste disturbances, stomach upset
  • Low platelet count, low white blood cell count
  • Muscle aches
  • Headache
  • Liver damage
  • Blue/black discoloration of nails and mouth

Interactions

  • Stavudine (cancelled effect)
  • Fluconazole (increased side effects of zidovudine)

Patient Instructions

  • Take medicine at the same time every day.
  • Report to health worker immediately if any signs of tiredness, feeling weak and dizzy with little energy, easily breathless occur or if you have pale palms and nails.

Pregnancy

  • Can be used.

Breast-feeding

  • Can be used.

⚠️ Caution

  • If patient is anaemic, first correct anaemia before starting AZT or use a regimen with TDF instead.
  • Reduce dose in severe kidney disease.
  • Discontinue medicine if severe liver disease occurs.