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Indications

REMS


Unlabeled Use:
  • Chemoprophylaxis after occupational exposure to HIV.

Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

Derm: nail pigmentation

Endo: gynecomastia

F and E: LACTIC ACIDOSIS

GI: abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, anorexia, dyspepsia, HEPATOMEGALY (WITH STEATOSIS), oral mucosa pigmentation, PANCREATITIS, vomiting

Hemat: anemia, granulocytopenia, pure red-cell aplasia, thrombocytosis

Metab: lipoatrophy

MS: back pain, myopathy

Neuro: headache, weakness, mental acuity, anxiety, confusion, depression, dizziness, insomnia, restlessness, SEIZURES, syncope, tremor

Misc: immune reconstitution syndrome

Interactions

Drug-drug:

Availability

(Generic available)

Route/Dosage

HIV Infection

Prevention of Maternal/Fetal Transmission of HIV Infection

US Brand Names

Retrovir

Action

  • Following intracellular conversion to its active form, inhibits viral RNA synthesis by inhibiting the enzyme DNA polymerase (reverse transcriptase).
  • Prevents viral replication.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Virustatic action against selected retroviruses.
  • Slowed progression and decreased sequelae of HIV infection.
  • Decreased viral load and improved CD4 cell counts.
  • Decreased transmission of HIV to infants born to HIV-infected mothers.

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: antiretrovirals

Pharmacologic Classification: nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed following oral administration.

Distribution: Widely distributed; enters the CNS.

Metabolism/Excretion: Mostly (75%) metabolized by the liver; 15–20% excreted unchanged by the kidneys.

Half-Life: 1 hr.

Time/Action Profile

(plasma concentrations)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
POunknown0.5–1.5 hr4 hr
IVrapidend of infusion4 hr



Patient/Family Teaching

Pronunciation

zye-DOE-vue-deen