Zidovudine

Definition

Zidovudine, also known as azidothymidine (AZT), is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. It works by interfering with the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which is essential for the replication of the HIV virus, thereby preventing the virus from multiplying and spreading within the host's body.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Zidovudine was the first antiretroviral drug approved for the treatment of HIV/AIDS, and it played a crucial role in the early management of the disease.
2. Zidovudine is often used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs as part of a comprehensive antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen to effectively suppress HIV replication and slow the progression of the disease.
3. Zidovudine can cause side effects such as anemia, neutropenia, and gastrointestinal issues, which must be closely monitored by healthcare providers.
4. The development of resistance to zidovudine can occur over time, necessitating the use of alternative or newer antiretroviral drugs in the treatment of HIV/AIDS.
5. Zidovudine is also used in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, as it can help reduce the risk of transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.

Review Questions

• Explain the mechanism of action of zidovudine in the context of HIV/AIDS treatment.
  • Zidovudine, as a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), interferes with the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which is essential for the conversion of viral RNA into DNA within the host cell. By inhibiting this process, zidovudine prevents the integration of the viral genome into the host cell's DNA, thereby disrupting the replication cycle of the HIV virus and slowing the progression of the disease.
• Discuss the role of zidovudine in the context of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for the management of HIV/AIDS.
  • Zidovudine is often used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs as part of a comprehensive ART regimen. This combination approach, known as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), has been shown to be more effective in suppressing HIV replication and slowing the progression of the disease compared to the use of a single antiretroviral drug. The inclusion of zidovudine in ART regimens helps to target the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which is a critical step in the HIV replication cycle, and contributes to the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
• Evaluate the potential challenges associated with the long-term use of zidovudine in the treatment of HIV/AIDS.
  • One of the key challenges with the long-term use of zidovudine is the potential development of drug resistance. Over time, the HIV virus may acquire mutations that allow it to evade the inhibitory effects of zidovudine, reducing the drug's effectiveness. Additionally, zidovudine can cause significant side effects, such as anemia and neutropenia, which must be closely monitored and managed by healthcare providers. These side effects can impact patient adherence and quality of life, potentially compromising the overall effectiveness of the treatment. As a result, healthcare providers must carefully weigh the benefits and risks of long-term zidovudine use and consider alternative or newer antiretroviral drugs as part of the evolving management of HIV/AIDS.

Related terms

Reverse Transcriptase:

An enzyme found in retroviruses, such as HIV, that allows the viral RNA to be converted into DNA, which can then be integrated into the host cell's genome.

Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NRTI): A class of antiretroviral drugs that block the reverse transcriptase enzyme, preventing the conversion of viral RNA into DNA and, consequently, the integration of the viral genome into the host cell.

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART):

The use of a combination of antiretroviral drugs to suppress the replication of the HIV virus and prevent the progression of the disease.