Retrovir Oral
In Depth
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (zye-DOE-vue-deen)
Retrovir Oral Uses
This drug is used in combination with other medications to help control your HIV infection, thereby improving your quality of life. It also lowers your risk of getting HIV disease complications (e.g., new infections, cancer). Zidovudine belongs to a class of drugs known as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors-NRTI.
Zidovudine is not a cure for HIV infection and it does not prevent the spread of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood contamination (e.g., sharing used needles).
How To Use Retrovir Oral
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 2-3 times daily or as directed by your doctor.
If you are using the liquid form, use a medication measuring device to carefully measure the prescribed dose. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
Dosage is based on your weight, liver function, kidney function, medical condition, and response to therapy.
It is very important to continue taking this medication (and other anti-HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.
