On this page
Therapeutic action
- Antiretroviral, HIV-1 and HIV-2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor
Indications
- HIV-1 or HIV-2 infection, in combination with other antiretroviral drugs
Forms and strengths
- 300 mg tablet
- 50 mg/5 ml oral solution
Dosage
- Preterm infant: 1.5 mg/kg 2 times daily for the first 2 weeks after birth then 4 mg/kg 2 times daily
- Child under 1 month: 4 mg/kg 2 times daily
- Child 1 month to 13 years: 180 to 240 mg/m2 2 times daily
- Adult: 300 mg 2 times daily
|
Weight |
10 mg/ml oral sol. |
300 mg tablet |
|---|---|---|
|
5 to 6 kg |
6 ml x 2 |
– |
|
7 to 9 kg |
8 ml x 2 |
– |
|
10 to 14 kg |
12 ml x 2 |
– |
|
15 to 19 kg |
17 ml x 2 |
– |
|
20 to 24 kg |
20 ml x 2 |
– |
|
25 to 29 kg |
25 ml x 2 |
1 tab x 2 |
|
30 to 39 kg |
28 ml x 2 |
1 tab x 2 |
|
≥ 40 kg |
– |
1 tab x 2 |
Duration
- The duration of treatment depends on the efficacy and tolerance of zidovudine.
Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions
- Do not administer to patients with severe haematological disorders (leukopenia, anaemia), to neonates with hyperbilirubinaemia or raised transaminases.
- May cause: haematological disorders (monitor complete blood count), gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, diarrhoea, etc.), headache, myopathy, hepatic disorders, lactic acidosis. Stop taking zidovudine in the event of severe haematological disorders or hepatic disorders (hepatomegaly, raised transaminases).
- Reduce dosage in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment.
- Pregnancy: no contra-indication
Remarks
- For prophylactic treatment to reduce mother-to-child transmission, check national recommendations.
- Many fixed-dose combinations containing zidovudine are available.
Storage
– Below 25 °C