APPROVED DOSAGE:
One white and blue 250mg capsule taken twice a day. A 300mg tablet and a 100mg capsule are available for dose variations.
CHILDREN:
AZT approved for use in children. Liquid formulation available.
TIPS ON TAKING:
Try to take the doses twelve hours apart. Take with or after food to reduce nausea. Anti-nausea drugs may be used up-front.
COMMON SIDE-EFFECTS:
Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headache, insomnia, rash, blood disorders.
RARE SIDE-EFFECTS:
Liver problems.
RESISTANCE TO AZT:
May cause resistance to d4T, adefovir and abacavir. Unlikely to cause resistance to 3TC, ddl and ddC.
KEY DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Other drugs (e.g. hydroxyurea, ganciclovir) that cause blood disorders may worsen side-effects. Do not take with d4T. Drug levels may be affected if methadone, phenytoin, or probenecid are taken with AZT. Doses of clarithromycin and AZT should taken one hour apart.
BRAIN:
AZT is effective against HIV in the brain and the central nervous system.
PREGNANCY:
AZT during pregnancy and labour reduces mother-to-baby transmission.
NOTE:
AZT is also available in a combined form with 3TC. The AZT/3TC pill is called Combivir.
Disclaimer:
The site editor has taken all such care as considered reasonable in preparing the information published , but cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or mis-statements of fact contained herein.
