Zidovudine Oral

Zidovudine is used alone or with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in patients with or without acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It will slow the spread of HIV infection in the body. Zidovudine is not a cure and may not decrease the number of HIV-related illnesses. Zidovudine does not prevent the spread of HIV to other people except when given to HIV-positive pregnant women. Zidovudine is given to HIV-positive pregnant women to prevent the infection from going to the baby. However, HIV infection may still occur in the infant despite this treatment. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Zidovudine comes as a capsule, tablet, and syrup to take by mouth. It is usually taken three to four times a day. In some cases it may be taken five times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take zidovudine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Continue to take zidovudine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking zidovudine without talking to your doctor.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Zidovudine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

<ul>
<li>
stomach pain</li>
<li>
diarrhea or loose stools</li>
<li>
constipation</li>
<li>
headache</li>
<li>
dizziness</li>
<li>
difficulty sleeping</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience the following symptom, or any of those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

<ul>
<li>
rash</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking zidovudine, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to zidovudine or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially acetaminophen, acyclovir (Zovirax), aspirin, cimetidine (Tagamet), fluconazole (Diflucan), foscarnet (Foscavir), ganciclovir (Cytovene), indomethacin (Indocin), interferon, lorazepam (Ativan), oxazepam (Serax), probenecid (Benemid), valproic acid (Depakene, Depakote), and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease, any disease or swelling of the muscle, anemia, a history of alcohol abuse, or bleeding or other blood problems. tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.