Zidovudine

Definition

Zidovudine, also known as AZT, is an antiviral medication primarily used to treat HIV infection by inhibiting viral replication. It is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) that works by mimicking the building blocks of DNA, effectively stopping the virus from making new copies of itself. Zidovudine played a crucial role in the early treatment of HIV/AIDS and has been foundational in the development of antiretroviral therapies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Zidovudine was the first drug approved for the treatment of HIV in 1987, marking a significant advancement in HIV/AIDS therapy.
2. The mechanism of action of zidovudine involves its phosphorylation into active triphosphate form, which then competes with natural nucleotides to be incorporated into viral DNA, causing chain termination.
3. While zidovudine is effective in reducing viral load and improving immune function, it can have side effects such as bone marrow suppression and anemia.
4. Zidovudine is often used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs to enhance efficacy and reduce the risk of drug resistance.
5. Despite the availability of newer antiretroviral agents, zidovudine remains an important option in the management of HIV, particularly for specific patient populations.

Review Questions

• How does zidovudine function as an antiviral drug, and what is its specific mechanism of action?
  • Zidovudine functions as an antiviral drug by inhibiting the replication of HIV. Its specific mechanism of action involves its conversion into an active triphosphate form, which then competes with natural nucleotides during the reverse transcription process. By integrating into the growing viral DNA chain, it causes chain termination, thereby preventing the virus from producing new copies.
• Discuss the significance of zidovudine's approval as the first treatment for HIV and its impact on subsequent HIV therapies.
  • The approval of zidovudine as the first treatment for HIV in 1987 was a groundbreaking moment in the fight against AIDS. It not only provided a therapeutic option for patients but also paved the way for the development of combination therapies that would later become standard practice. Zidovudine's introduction marked the beginning of a new era in HIV treatment, helping to shift the perception of HIV from a fatal disease to a manageable chronic condition.
• Evaluate the role of zidovudine within the broader context of antiretroviral therapy and its implications for future HIV treatment strategies.
  • Zidovudine plays a vital role within the broader context of antiretroviral therapy by serving as a foundational drug that has influenced treatment strategies for HIV. Its use in combination with other antiretrovirals has established principles for managing HIV effectively while minimizing resistance. As research continues, understanding zidovudine's place among newer agents helps inform future strategies that balance efficacy, safety, and patient adherence, ensuring optimal outcomes in HIV management.

Related terms

NRTI: Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors are a class of antiretroviral drugs that block reverse transcriptase, an enzyme crucial for the replication of retroviruses like HIV.

HIV:

Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells, leading to a gradual decline in immune function and potentially resulting in AIDS.

Antiretroviral therapy: A treatment regimen that combines multiple antiretroviral medications to effectively control HIV infection and prevent progression to AIDS.