Zidovudine, also known as azidothymidine, is an antiretroviral medication used to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS. It is of the nucleoside analog reverse-transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) class. Zidovudine inhibits the enzyme (reverse transcriptase) that HIV uses to synthesize DNA, thus preventing viral DNA from forming. Zidovudine was the first breakthrough in AIDS therapy, significantly reducing the replication of the virus and leading to clinical and immunologic improvements. It can also be used to prevent HIV transmission, such as from mother to child during the period of birth or after a needle stick injury. Used by itself in HIV-infected patients, AZT slows HIV replication in patients, but does not stop it entirely.
Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors Related Prodcuts:
Didanosine; Dapivirine; Tenofovir; Emtricitabine; Entecavir; Entecavir hydrate; Adefovir; Adefovir dipivoxil; Nevirapine; Lamivudine; Stavudine; Telbivudine; Etravirine; Zalcitabine; Alovudine