What it means
A nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), the first HIV drug approved. It blocks an enzyme the virus needs to copy itself. Today it is used mostly around birth: given IV during labor to a mother with HIV when needed, and by mouth to the newborn for several weeks. Its main side effects are anemia and low white blood cells, muscle weakness and, rarely, a buildup of lactic acid. It is sometimes written AZT, an abbreviation ISMP lists as error-prone. Its brand name Retrovir can be confused with ritonavirrih-TOH-nuh-veerAn HIV protease inhibitor, now used mostly in low doses to raise the blood levels of other antiviral drugs.Full entry .
For the nurse
Check blood counts as ordered and report unusual tiredness, pale skin, fever or sore throat. Write the full drug name, not AZT. Teach that the drugs must be taken exactly on schedule to keep the virus from becoming resistant.
At a glance
| Drug class | antiretroviral (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, NRTI) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Retrovir |
| Spanish | zidovudina |
| Also written | Retrovir |
Easy to confuse with
ritonavir
An HIV protease inhibitor, now used mostly in low doses to raise the blood levels of other antiviral drugs.
Related terms
ritonavir
An HIV protease inhibitor, now used mostly in low doses to raise the blood levels of other antiviral drugs.
CD4 count
A blood test that counts CD4 T cells, the white blood cells that HIV infects and destroys.
AZT
An old abbreviation for zidovudine, an HIV drug; it should not be used because it can be misread as other drugs.