Zidovudine

Other Names: Retrovir, Lamivudine, Combivir

Commonly Prescribed for: Zidovudine is used to treat the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and to halt its progress. Zidovudine is often combined with other anti-HIV drugs to have a maximum effect. It is also used for children over the age of 3 months who show no symptoms of the HIV virus but rather have a weakened immune system and therefore have a high risk of catching the disease.

How to take it: Zidovudine comes in 3 different forms: tablets, capsules and oral solution. For adults a recommended dosage of 300mg a day in tablet and capsule form is advised. Infants should first be assessed as to whether they can swallow Zidovudine and if they can’t then the oral solution should be prescribed whereby their daily intake should be established based on the child’s body weight.

How it Works: Retrovir does not heal the human immunodeficiency virus it merely constricts it and contains it from spreading. This however does not mean that further complications due to HIV will not be felt by the patient as even with Retrovir their immune system is still seriously weakened.

Some Side Effects: The side effects of Zidovudine are determined by how far and to what stage the HIV virus has reached. Those in advanced stages if the disease will suffer more serious side effects (such as difficulty breathing, nausea and allergic reactions whereas those in the early stages of the disease will suffer from few serious complications that can range from headaches to vomiting to tiredness. However if you feel that you a suffering from a serve or abnormal side effect seek professional medical help immediately.