Questions and Answers
What is the classification of zidovudine?
What is the mechanism of action of zidovudine?
Inhibits HIV replication by suppressing synthesis of viral DNA.
Why is zidovudine used?
To reduce mother to infant HIV transmission.
Zidovudine is not effective at penetrating the CNS.
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What should you monitor when using zidovudine?
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How should zidovudine be administered?
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What are some adverse reactions associated with zidovudine?
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How do you diagnose hepatomegaly due to zidovudine?
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What are the hematologic toxicities associated with zidovudine?
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When should zidovudine be started for the mother?
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When should zidovudine be administered to the infant?
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Study Notes
Zidovudine Classification
- Zidovudine is classified as a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI).
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibits HIV replication by suppressing the synthesis of viral DNA.
- Requires intracellular conversion to its active form to be effective.
- Incorporation into the DNA strand blocks reverse transcriptase from adding bases, halting further growth.
Indications for Use
- Primarily used for HIV-1 treatment.
- Reduces mother-to-infant transmission of HIV.
- Administered via IV to the mother during labor and delivery.
CNS Penetration
- Zidovudine penetrates the central nervous system (CNS) better than many other antiretrovirals.
- Effective in alleviating some cognitive symptoms associated with HIV.
Monitoring Requirements
- Requires close monitoring of complete blood count (CBC) to detect hematologic toxicity.
Administration Guidelines
- Zidovudine should always be combined with other antiretroviral agents to prevent the development of drug resistance.
Adverse Reactions
- Common adverse effects include hematologic toxicity, lactic acidosis (with hepatomegaly), myopathy, gastrointestinal effects, and central nervous system reactions.
Diagnosis of Hepatomegaly
- Lactic acid levels measured in arterial blood help diagnose hepatomegaly associated with zidovudine use.
Hematologic Toxicities
- Notable hematologic toxicities include severe anemia and neutropenia.
- Risk factors include high-dose therapy, advanced HIV infection, and deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folic acid.
Treatment Timing for Mothers
- Zidovudine treatment starts when labor begins and continues until the infant's delivery.
Treatment Timing for Infants
- Infants should receive zidovudine as soon as possible after birth, ideally within 6 to 12 hours, and continue treatment for 6 weeks.
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Description
This quiz explores the classification and mechanism of action of zidovudine, a crucial drug in the treatment of HIV. Understand how this nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor works to suppress viral replication and its role in antiretroviral therapy.
