Zidovudine (AZT)

Antiviral / antiretroviral

📌 1. What is this medicine used for?

HIV in adults and children with progressive or advance immunodeficiency. (T-helper cell counts of less than 500/mm3). Used in combination with other ARVs. Clinical selection for Zidovudine (AZT) should follow culture results where relevant, Kenya STG/EML recommendations, and the current product SmPC. Class context: Antiviral / antiretroviral. Confirm site-specific dose, duration and monitoring before prescribing.

💊 2. How to take this medicine

Asymptomatic disease - initially 500mg to be increased as the disease progresses to 1.5g daily. Symptomatic disease 200mg every 4hrs. If tolerance is poor - 100mg every six hours. Children over 3months -180mg/m2 every 6hrs. I.V inf. - 2.5mg/kg every 4 hrs (for less than 2 weeks.

⚠️ 3. Warnings & Possible Side Effects

Agent-specific: GI, rash, CNS (efavirenz), hyperbilirubinaemia (atazanavir), renal/bone (TDF), anaemia (ZDV), hypersensitivity (ABC).

📦 4. Storage & Handling

Store as labelled. Keep out of reach of children.

Available Branded Equivalents in Kenya

Zidocos (KES 0.00) Retrovir (KES 0.00) Zidovudine (KES 0.00)

Provided as a clinical reference by MyDrugIndex Kenya.

Always consult your doctor or registered pharmacist.