What does zidovudine mean?
Zidovudine is an antiretroviral medicine belonging to the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor class. It acts by interfering with the enzyme that HIV uses to convert its genetic material into DNA, thereby slowing viral replication. Zidovudine is used in combination antiretroviral therapy, particularly for HIV-1 infection, and has also been used to reduce transmission from a pregnant person to the baby. Commonly called AZT, it became internationally prominent during the early AIDS crisis as one of the first treatments shown to slow the progression of HIV. Older accounts sometimes present it as a largely unsuccessful treatment, but that impression reflects its limited effectiveness when administered alone; modern use relies on carefully selected combinations designed to inhibit the virus more effectively. Today zidovudine remains an established option in particular clinical circumstances, although other regimens may be preferred. It does not eradicate HIV, and resistance can develop if it is used without a sufficiently effective combination.
nounA nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) and antiretroviral medicine used to treat HIV infection, especially HIV-1, in combination with other drugs and to reduce mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy and childbirth.
- An antiretroviral medicine that inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase and is used in combination therapy for HIV infection and to reduce vertical transmission.
"The patient continued zidovudine as part of a carefully monitored combination antiretroviral regimen."
"Clinical guidance recommends assessing the risks and benefits of zidovudine during pregnancy."
"The laboratory test was designed to detect zidovudine-resistant strains of HIV."
The plural is grammatically possible but uncommon; it is normally used when referring to different doses, formulations, or examples of the medicine.
"The catalogue lists several zidovudines by strength."
Once known simply as AZT, zidovudine helped transform HIV from an inevitably fatal illness into a manageable chronic infection.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of zidovudine
The name zidovudine derives from azidothymidine, an alternative chemical name for the same medicine. That name combines the prefix azido-, referring to an azide group, with thymidine, a nucleoside related to thymine. Other chemical names associated with this naming tradition include deoxythymidine and the fuller description 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine.
How zidovudine is actually used
This is a technical and clinical term. The abbreviation AZT is common in medical and historical discussion. Modern treatment generally uses zidovudine in combination with other antiretroviral medicines rather than as an independent treatment, and it does not cure HIV.
Easily confused with zidovudine
Lamivudine is a different nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor; despite their similar spelling, the two medicines are not interchangeable.