zidovudine
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun 1. An antiviral medication: Zidovudine is a specific type of drug used to treat infections caused by retroviruses, most notably the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It belongs to a class of drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Its primary function is to inhibit the replication of the virus within the body.
Usage
Zidovudine is used as part of combination therapy (often called antiretroviral therapy or ART) to manage HIV infection and slow the progression to AIDS. It is also used to help prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV during pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
Examples
- The doctor prescribed a regimen containing zidovudine to manage his patient's HIV.
- Early treatment with zidovudine can significantly reduce the risk of perinatal HIV transmission.
- A common side effect of zidovudine is anemia.
Advanced Usage
- Chemical Name: The systematic name for zidovudine is azidothymidine (AZT), which is how it is often referenced in scientific literature.
- Historical Context: Zidovudine was the first antiretroviral medication approved for the treatment of HIV/AIDS.
Variants and Related Words
- AZT: A common abbreviation for azidothymidine, synonymous with zidovudine.
- Retrovir: A major trade name under which zidovudine is marketed.
- NRTI (Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor): The class of antiretroviral drugs to which zidovudine belongs.
Synonyms
- Azidothymidine (AZT)
- (By trade name) Retrovir
Notes
- Adverse Effects: While effective, zidovudine is associated with potential serious side effects, including liver toxicity and bone marrow suppression, which can lead to conditions like anemia and neutropenia. Its use requires careful medical monitoring.
Noun
- an antiviral drug (trade name Retrovir) used in the treatment of AIDS; adverse side effects include liver damage and suppression of the bone marrow