Zidovudine

Definition

Zidovudine, also known as AZT, is an antiretroviral medication used primarily to treat HIV infection. It is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) that works by blocking the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which is essential for the replication of the virus. By preventing the conversion of viral RNA into DNA, zidovudine helps reduce the viral load in the body and slow down the progression of HIV to AIDS.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Zidovudine was the first drug approved for the treatment of HIV and has played a critical role in improving patient outcomes since its introduction in 1987.
2. The medication can be taken orally as a pill or administered intravenously, making it versatile for different patient needs.
3. Common side effects of zidovudine include anemia, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues, which can impact patient adherence to treatment.
4. Zidovudine is often used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs to enhance its effectiveness and reduce the risk of developing drug resistance.
5. In addition to treating HIV, zidovudine is sometimes used during pregnancy to lower the risk of mother-to-child transmission of the virus.

Review Questions

• How does zidovudine function as an antiretroviral medication in the treatment of HIV?
  • Zidovudine functions by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which is crucial for converting viral RNA into DNA. This action blocks HIV replication and helps lower the viral load in infected individuals. By preventing this critical step in the viral life cycle, zidovudine slows down disease progression and allows patients to maintain a healthier immune system.
• Discuss the significance of combining zidovudine with other antiretroviral medications in HAART regimens.
  • Combining zidovudine with other antiretroviral medications in HAART regimens is significant because it enhances overall treatment efficacy and reduces the likelihood of developing drug resistance. This multi-drug approach targets different stages of the HIV life cycle, making it more difficult for the virus to adapt and evade treatment. The use of combination therapy has been instrumental in improving long-term outcomes for people living with HIV.
• Evaluate the impact of zidovudine on maternal health and infant outcomes during pregnancy in HIV-positive women.
  • Zidovudine has a profound impact on maternal health and infant outcomes during pregnancy for HIV-positive women. Administering zidovudine during pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, leading to healthier infants. Its use has transformed prenatal care for HIV-positive women by allowing many to give birth to uninfected children while maintaining their own health. The availability of this medication has helped shift perceptions around pregnancy and parenting among women living with HIV.

Related terms

NRTI: Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors are a class of antiretroviral drugs that inhibit the reverse transcriptase enzyme, crucial for HIV replication.

HAART: Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy is a treatment regimen for HIV that combines multiple antiretroviral drugs to effectively manage the virus.

viral load: The amount of virus present in a person's blood, which can be measured to assess the severity of an HIV infection and the effectiveness of treatment.