Zidovudine (Azidothymidine)

Description: Zidovudine (also known as ZDV, Azidothymidine; Retrovir; Zidovudinum, NSC 602670) is a nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) which used to treat and prevent HIV. Zidovudine is the first effective agent for the management of HIV-1 infection and is approved by FDA as a drug for AIDs in 1987. As a nucleoside analogue, zidovudine inhibits the activity of the reverse transcriptase with its triphosphate structure. It can also be used to prevent HIV transmission, such as from mother to child during the period of birth or after a needle stick injury. Used by itself in HIV-infected patients, AZT slows HIV replication in patients, but does not stop it entirely.

References: Clin Ther. 1996; 18(6):1080-92; J Med Virol. 1999; 58(2):165-73; Biochim Biophys Acta. 1996; 1316(1):51-9.

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