Zidovudine: What It Is, How It Works, and Its Role in HIV Treatment

When you hear zidovudine, a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) used to treat HIV infection. Also known as AZT, it was the first drug approved by the FDA to fight HIV back in 1987. Back then, it was a lifeline. Today, it’s part of a bigger toolkit—but still used in specific cases, like preventing mother-to-child transmission or when other drugs aren’t an option.

Zidovudine doesn’t cure HIV, but it slows the virus down by blocking an enzyme HIV needs to copy itself. That’s why it’s often paired with other antiretrovirals in combination therapy. It’s not the first choice anymore because newer drugs have fewer side effects and work better long-term. But it still has a place—especially in resource-limited settings where cost matters, or when someone’s virus is resistant to other meds. You’ll also find it in some fixed-dose combos, like with lamivudine or abacavir, making daily pills easier to manage.

People on zidovudine need regular blood tests. It can lower red and white blood cell counts, which means fatigue, infections, or anemia could show up. That’s why doctors monitor it closely, especially in the first few months. It’s not for everyone—those with liver issues or bone marrow problems might need alternatives like tenofovir or emtricitabine. But for many, it’s been a reliable part of their treatment journey for decades.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real comparisons and practical insights. You’ll see how zidovudine stacks up against other HIV meds, what side effects to watch for, and how it fits into modern treatment plans. There’s no fluff—just clear, no-nonsense info from people who’ve lived it, prescribed it, or studied it.