INN monograph
Zidovudine (AZT)
Antiviral / antiretroviral · POM
Verified · Updated 01 Aug 2026 · Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; Professional class pharmacology (Antiviral / antiretroviral)
Kenya market
Wholesale / list prices where loaded
Risk first
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity (abacavir HLA-B*5701 positive — absolute for abacavir).
- Agent-specific organ failure thresholds.
- Never dual-count duplicate NRTIs inappropriately.
Precautions
- Adherence critical for ART to prevent resistance.
- Screen HLA-B*5701 before abacavir.
- Monitor renal bone parameters with TDF.
- IRIS after ART initiation.
- Aciclovir: hydrate to reduce crystalluria.
Point of care
Dosing
Adult
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.
Paediatric
See label paediatric section if present; otherwise use paediatric formulary — do not extrapolate adult doses.
Renal
Dose-adjust renally cleared NRTIs; TDF nephrotoxicity monitoring.
- CrCl 0–120: Confirm renal dosing in product SmPC / primary label.
Hepatic
Several agents hepatotoxic; monitor with HBV/HCV co-infection.
Safety
Drug interactions
- Use national HIV guidelines for first-line combinations.
- Do not cease ART without plan.
- For HSV/VZV: early therapy improves outcomes
- dose by IBW/renal function for IV aciclovir.
Safety
Adverse effects
- Agent-specific: GI, rash, CNS (efavirenz), hyperbilirubinaemia (atazanavir), renal/bone (TDF), anaemia (ZDV), hypersensitivity (ABC).
Use
Indications
- 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.
Pharmacology
Mode of action
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors [NRTIs] that are converted by cellular cells’ enzymes to active phosporylated metabo-lites that inhibit viral reverse transcriptase and viral DNA synthesis.
Full mechanism text
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors [NRTIs] that are converted by cellular cells’ enzymes to active phosporylated metabo-lites that inhibit viral reverse transcriptase and viral DNA synthesis.
ADME
Pharmacokinetics & PD
| Onset | Varies (hours–days) |
|---|---|
| Duration | Regimen-dependent; ART lifelong |
| Route | ORAL / IV / TOPICAL |
Kenya
Brands & prices
| Brand | Company | Pack | KES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retrovir | GlaxoSmithkline | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Zidocos | Cosmos Limited. | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Zidovudine | Independent / Registered Supplier | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
Special populations
Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
ART is essential in pregnancy for maternal health and PMTCT — use preferred regimens per Kenya NASCOP guidance.
Lactation
Follow national HIV infant feeding + maternal ART guidance.
Diet
Food & alcohol
- Food
- Food
Trust
Sources & disclaimer
Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; Professional class pharmacology (Antiviral / antiretroviral)
Last reviewed: 01 Aug 2026
Decision support only — not a substitute for clinical judgment, product SmPC, or Kenya STG/EML.