zidovudiini

Zidovudine, also known as azidothymidine (AZT), is an antiretroviral drug used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. It belongs to a class of drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Zidovudine works by inhibiting the enzyme reverse transcriptase, which HIV uses to convert its RNA into DNA. By blocking this process, zidovudine prevents the virus from replicating and spreading within the body.

The development of zidovudine marked a significant milestone in the fight against HIV/AIDS. It was the first drug approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of HIV infection in 1987. Initially, it was used as a single agent, but it is now primarily used in combination therapy with other antiretroviral drugs. This combination approach, known as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), has been instrumental in transforming HIV/AIDS from a rapidly fatal disease into a manageable chronic condition for many individuals.

Zidovudine is administered orally and is typically taken multiple times a day. Common side effects can include nausea, headache, and fatigue. More serious side effects, though less common, can involve bone marrow suppression, leading to anemia and neutropenia. Regular monitoring of blood counts is therefore essential for individuals taking zidovudine. Despite its limitations and the development of newer drugs, zidovudine remains an important component of HIV treatment regimens in many parts of the world.