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Description

Zidovudine (also known as AZT) is an antiretroviral drug used to treat HIV/AIDS. It works by blocking the action of reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that HIV needs to replicate. Zidovudine is usually taken in combination with other antiretroviral drugs.

Common side effects of zidovudine include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, fatigue, anemia, and muscle pain. Other more serious side effects include liver damage, pancreatitis, and an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer.

Brand names associated with zidovudine include Retrovir, Zidovir, and ZDV.

Synonyms

• azidodeoxythymidine
• azidothymidine
• zidovudine

Classifications

• anti-infective
• antiviral
• nucleoside
• reverse transcriptase inhibitor

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