What is this medication for?
Zidovudine belongs to the class of medications called antiretrovirals. It is used either alone or with other medications to treat the infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the virus responsible for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Zidovudine is one of a type of antiretroviral medications called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Reverse transcriptase is a part of HIV required to infect cells and make more viruses. Zidovudine prevents reverse transcriptase from working properly. Zidovudine does not cure AIDS and does not prevent it from being spread to others but it does help to slow down the progression of the disease. Zidovudine is also used to help prevent pregnant women who have HIV infection from passing the HIV virus to their child during birth.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Retrovir® is available as:
- capsule
- injectable
- syrup
- tablet
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended adult dose (by mouth) of zidovudine is 600 mg daily taken in divided doses. Children from 6 weeks to 12 years of age are prescribed doses based on their body weight. This medication may be taken with or without food. If you are using the syrup form, use a device that measures the dose accurately.
For preventing HIV transmission during pregnancy, the recommended dose for pregnant women is 100 mg taken 5 times daily starting 14 weeks into the pregnancy. During labor and delivery, zidovudine is given intravenously by the hospital until the baby is born. The child is then given a dose of zidovudine based on body weight every 6 hours until 6 weeks of age.
Finish all this medication, even if you have started to feel better
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.