Zidovudine

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Zidovudine

Zidovudine (pronounced as zye-DOE-vue-deen), also known as AZT, is an antiretroviral medication used to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS. It is generally included in all treatment regimens for HIV/AIDS due to its effectiveness and low cost.

Etymology

The term "Zidovudine" is derived from the chemical name azidothymidine, which is often abbreviated as AZT. The "Z" in Zidovudine stands for "azido", while the "idovudine" part is derived from "thymidine", a type of nucleoside.

Usage

Zidovudine is used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs to slow the progression of HIV infection. It works by inhibiting the action of reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that HIV uses to replicate its genetic material.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Zidovudine include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and insomnia. In rare cases, it can cause severe anemia and myopathy.

Related Terms

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