Retrovir: Advanced Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV Management
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| Product dosage: 300mg | |||
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Retrovir (zidovudine) is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) indicated for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. As one of the foundational agents in antiretroviral therapy, it plays a critical role in reducing viral load, increasing CD4 cell counts, and slowing disease progression. Retrovir is commonly used in combination with other antiretroviral agents as part of a highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimen. Its established efficacy and well-documented safety profile make it a cornerstone in both adult and pediatric HIV management.
Features
- Active ingredient: Zidovudine 300 mg
- Formulation: Film-coated tablets, oral syrup, and intravenous solution
- Mechanism: Inhibits reverse transcriptase, preventing viral replication
- Bioavailability: Approximately 60–70% following oral administration
- Half-life: 1–1.5 hours (intracellular half-life of active metabolite: 3–4 hours)
- Metabolism: Hepatic glucuronidation
- Excretion: Primarily renal (50–80%)
Benefits
- Effectively suppresses HIV replication, leading to reduced viral load
- Helps restore and preserve immune function by increasing CD4+ T-cell counts
- Delays progression to AIDS and reduces HIV-related morbidity and mortality
- Available in multiple formulations for flexible dosing across age groups
- Well-studied in both treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced patients
- Can be used for prevention of maternal-fetal HIV transmission
Common use
Retrovir is indicated for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and children, in combination with other antiretroviral agents. It is also used for the prevention of maternal-fetal HIV transmission during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, as well as for prophylaxis in newborns exposed to HIV. Additionally, it may be used as part of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) regimens following occupational or non-occupational exposure to HIV.
Dosage and direction
Adults: 300 mg twice daily or 200 mg three times daily.
Pediatric patients (aged 4 weeks to 18 years): 160 mg/m² body surface area twice daily (maximum 300 mg per dose).
Neonates (birth to 4 weeks): 2 mg/kg orally every 6 hours or 1.5 mg/kg intravenously every 6 hours.
Prevention of maternal-fetal transmission: Pregnant women (after 14 weeks gestation): 100 mg orally five times daily until start of labor; during labor: 2 mg/kg IV over 1 hour, then 1 mg/kg/hour until delivery. Newborns: 2 mg/kg orally every 6 hours for 6 weeks, starting within 12 hours after birth.
Take with or without food. Adhere strictly to prescribed dosing schedule.
Precautions
- Monitor hematological parameters (hemoglobin, neutrophil count) regularly due to risk of anemia and neutropenia
- Assess hepatic function before and during therapy; caution in patients with pre-existing liver impairment
- Use with caution in patients with renal impairment (dose adjustment may be necessary)
- Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly with steatosis have been reported; monitor for symptoms
- May cause myopathy and myositis with prolonged use
- Fat redistribution and metabolic abnormalities may occur with long-term antiretroviral therapy
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to zidovudine or any component of the formulation
- Life-threatening allergic reactions to any other NRTI
- Concomitant use with stavudine (due to antagonistic effects)
- Severe hepatic impairment without appropriate dose monitoring and adjustment
- Severe anemia or neutropenia prior to initiation
Possible side effect
Common (≥1%):
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Asthenia
Less common:
- Anemia
- Neutropenia
- Myopathy
- Lactic acidosis
- Hepatic steatosis
- Hyperpigmentation of nails/skin
- Lipodystrophy
Drug interaction
- Ganciclovir, valganciclovir, interferon, ribavirin: Increased risk of hematological toxicity
- Doxorubicin, stavudine: Antagonistic effects; concomitant use contraindicated
- Probenecid: May increase zidovudine levels
- Phenytoin: May alter phenytoin levels; monitor concentrations
- Other myelosuppressive agents: Additive bone marrow suppression
- Clarithromycin: Reduced zidovudine concentrations
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. Maintain regular dosing schedule to ensure consistent antiviral suppression.
Overdose
Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and hematological toxicity. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis have limited efficacy in removing zidovudine. Treatment is supportive and may include transfusions for hematological complications. Contact poison control or seek immediate medical attention.
Storage
Store at 15–30°C (59–86°F). Keep in original container, tightly closed. Protect from light and moisture. Do not freeze oral solution. Keep out of reach of children. Discard unused oral solution after 42 days of first opening.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations. Dosage and administration may vary based on individual patient factors. Not all side effects or interactions are listed here.
Reviews
“Retrovir has been a fundamental component of our HIV treatment protocols for decades. Its efficacy in viral suppression, particularly when combined with other antiretrovirals, is well-established. While hematological monitoring is essential, the benefits in delaying disease progression are significant.” – Infectious Disease Specialist, 20 years experience
“Using Retrovir in prevention of maternal-fetal transmission has dramatically reduced perinatal HIV infections. The dosing protocol is clear, and with proper monitoring, safety concerns are manageable.” – OB/GYN specializing in HIV care
“Long-term use requires attention to potential mitochondrial toxicity, but Retrovir remains a valuable option, especially in resource-limited settings where newer agents may not be available.” – Clinical Pharmacist, HIV clinic