zidovudine
("ZDV" or "AZT")

· Drug type:

• Family of NRTI (Nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor antiretroviral agent )

· Important prescribing information

• Zidovudine is generally well tolerated. The most common clinical side effects include mild headache, nausea, and
  muscle pains; these often resolve after a few weeks.
• Bone marrow suppression is also possible, and the new onset of fatigue, pallor, or Iightheadedness after initiation of zidovudine should trigger laboratory assessment of anemia.
• Macrocytosis is common and not an indication to switch agents.
• Blue fingernail discoloration may occur but is not an indication to switch agents.
• As with all NRTI, AZT has been associated with lactic acidosis and steatosis, although the syndrome is more commonly seen with stavudine (d4T). Lactic acidosis is rare, but should be considered in patients presenting with fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and/or unexplained shortness of breath.

· Contraindications:

• Severe anemia
• Severe neutropenia
• Severe renal insufficiency
• Severe hepatic insufficiency
• History of previous intolerance
• AZT should never be prescribed with d4T, as the two are antagonists

· Usual dose:

• One 300-mg pill twice daily.
• May be taken with or without food