Zidovudine (Retrovir, Azidothymidine): Uses and Dosage

What is Zidovudine (Retrovir)?

Also known by its brand name Retrovir, Zidovudine or Azidothymidine refers to a form of medicine used in providing medical therapy to individuals who are diagnosed with one of the world’s life-threatening medical conditions and infections – human immunodeficiency virus. Zidovudine functions by inhibiting the surge of the virus within the body. It prevents the virus from increasing its number by blocking its capacity to replicate. Other than this function, Zidovudine enables the body’s immune system to work effectively in fighting the virulence of the said illness. Through this action, the body becomes immune and strong, preventing other health complications from emerging.

Uses

Because of the emergence of antiretroviral therapy, which also includes the availability of Zidovudine, it becomes easier to treat people who have been suffering from the illness. Aside from the treatment assurance these individuals have, they can also reap the benefits of consuming this medicine. By using this treatment, the negative impact of the virus can be lessened, helping an infected individual reach an undetectable status. These benefits are the following:

• Zidovudine is highly capable of lessening the viral population existing in the body.
• The drug provides strong support to the immune system as it fights the infection.
• It prevents an HIV-positive person’s chance of acquiring other health problems.
• It limits HIV transmission to many individuals who are not diagnosed with the illness.
• This medication inhibits the infection’s capability to advance.
• It lessens the virus’s ability to replicate.

By following the dosage of this medicine, add to that the efficiency of Zidovudine, infected individuals will acquire all of these benefits and overcome the infection. As long as the patient follows the prescription provided to him/her, recovery is likely to happen. Moreover, other than doing the mentioned directives, it is a must for HIV patients to always visit their healthcare professional to know his/her progress and discuss how efficiently they can handle the infection.

Zidovudine Dosage

Prior to receiving the dosage or the prescription, a healthcare professional must examine and observe different factors to make sure the patient will have a smooth treatment process. Just like other medicines for the infection, the factors that will likely play an important role in the treatment are (1) the patient’s age and weight, (2) medical history, and (3) other forms of medicines that the patient is taking at the moment.

Just like other antiretroviral drugs available today, Retrovir is consumed with other forms of ARVs to effectively treat the illness. This medicine also comes in the form of an oral tablet and oral syrup. The tablet form can be given to adults. Meanwhile, the oral syrup is given to infants and children who aren’t able to consume a whole tablet. To know more about the dosage requirement for this medicine, understand the following:

Dosage for Adults:

• The common dosage suggested for adults to consume is only 300 mg of Zidovudine. This dosage is necessary to be ingested twice a day.
• As mentioned above, another form of ARV may be used to ingest Retrovir.
• Note that the dosage will always depend on the intensity of the illness. If there is a need for dosage adjustment, only the healthcare professional will decide the frequency of the said dosage.

Dosage for Children:

• The common dosage suggested for children to consume is only 240 mg/m2 of Zidovudine. This dosage is necessary to be ingested twice a day.
• As mentioned above, another form of ARV may be used to ingest Retrovir.
• Note that the dosage will always depend on the intensity of the illness. If there is a need for dosage adjustment, only the healthcare professional will decide the frequency of the said dosage.

Keep in mind that the prescription serves as a guide to infected individuals during the entire duration of the treatment. Without this, there is no way for them to recover. As the prescription contains the dosage of this medicine, it is as important as taking a medicine for the common cold.

How to take it?

Consuming Zidovudine is like consuming your medicine if you have a fever. However, taking it with food is a plus to ensure proper absorption. By doing so, it becomes easier to get all the benefits of this medicine. For tablets, adult patients should not break or chew the medicine. It will only deter the medicine’s efficiency. Meanwhile, for children, it is necessary that parental guidance is available to help them during their dosage.

There are certain precautionary measures and warnings that people need to watch out for before using this medicine. One of these is knowing if an infected individual is allergic to the medicine or its ingredients. Note that hypersensitivity can be fatal. This is the main reason why discussing with the physician first is necessary to know if the medicine is safe for patients to consume.